Lymphatic and blood vasculature of the forming corpus luteum

Abstract

The process of lymphatic vascularization of the corpus luteum was examined during luteinization following the first and second ovulations in young rats. In the corpus luteum formed after the first ovulation, blood vessels permeate the luteal parenchyma which at this stage shows laminar organization. Thereafter, a nest of connective tissue appears in the central portion of the corpus luteum. At this time lymphatics are not found. Luteinization following the second ovulation is similar to that of the first generation until the later stages when lymphatic vessels start to appear initially in the peripheral zone of the corpus luteum and subsequently in the central connective tissue nest. These lymphatic vessels are lined with endothelial cells that stain darkly with toluidine dye.