Microvascular changes in the bovine corpus luteum during pregnancy.

The microvasculature of bovine corpora lutea during pregnancy was studied by scanning electron microscopy using corrosion casts. Only one spiral arteriole branched directly from the ovarian artery entered the blood vascular bed of the pregnant corpora lutea. The bed consisted of numerous lobular sinusoidal capillary plexuses during pregnancy, and were characteristic to the microvasculature of a large corpus luteum. At the late stage of pregnancy, arteriovenous anastomoses were situated within the lobular sinusoidal capillary plexus composed of thin sinusoidal capillaries. These anastomoses may induce a decrease in blood flow to the lobular sinusoidal capillary plexus, suggesting that they may have an important role to induce the initial degeneration of the bovine pregnant corpora lutea.