Biology of the Corpus luteum

Corpus luteum (CL) is a small, transient endocrine gland formed following ovulation from the secretory cells of the ovarian follicles. The main function of CL is the production of progesterone, a hormone which regulates various reproductive functions. Progesterone plays a key role in the regulation of the length of estrous cycle and in the implantation of the blastocysts. Preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) is crucial for the luteinization of follicular cells and CL maintenance, but there are also other factors which support the CL development and its functioning. In the absence of pregnancy, CL will cease to produce progesterone and induce itself degradation known as luteolysis. This review is designed to provide a short overview of the events during the life span of corpus luteum (CL) and to make an insight in the synthesis and secretion of its main product – progesterone. The major biologic mechanisms involved in CL development, function, and regression will also be discussed.