Corpus luteum: physiology and pathology

Following ovulation, the follicle wall collapses and the lining transforms into the endocrine organ called the corpus luteum. The theca and granulosa cells develop into the theca lutein and granulosa lutein cells, respectively. The fundamental regulator of luteinization is LH. In normal pregnancy HCG is required for corpus luteum function. If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum undergoes apoptosis, a process termed luteolysis. Changes in gene expression and activity are connected with luteinization and luteolysis. The factors that regulate the process of luteogenesis are various. It results in generating diseases connected with abnormal luteal function.
The paper is a review of the present knowledge of the physiology and pathology of corpus luteum. The normal luteinization, luteolysis and their regulatory factors are also discussed.
Further exploration of mechanisms of luteogenesis is essential for understanding of etiopathogenesis of corpus luteum disorders.