luteolyse

Luteolyse, or luteolysis, is the regression of the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure that forms from the ruptured ovarian follicle after ovulation and secretes progesterone to prepare the uterine lining for possible pregnancy. When pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, progesterone production falls, the endometrium sheds, and the cycle moves toward the next follicular phase.

In many mammalian species, luteolysis is triggered by prostaglandin F2 alpha released from the uterus. This signal leads to structural and functional regression of the luteal tissue, including reduced blood flow, luteal cell death through apoptosis, and a decline in steroid hormone production. Prostaglandin-based treatments or analogs are used in veterinary medicine to synchronize estrus and to terminate pregnancy in some animals.

In humans, luteolysis is more closely tied to the withdrawal of luteotropic support from luteinizing hormone (LH). If pregnancy occurs, the developing embryo secretes human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which rescues and sustains the corpus luteum to maintain progesterone production in early pregnancy. Nevertheless, prostaglandins can participate in luteal regulation, and luteal regression remains a key part of the menstrual cycle in the absence of pregnancy.

Clinical relevance includes the management of reproductive cycles and fertility. Disruptions in luteolysis can affect cycle regularity and luteal phase adequacy. Pharmacological luteolysis is used in veterinary settings to control reproduction; in clinical contexts, luteal phase support is considered in assisted reproduction, while improper luteolysis can contribute to infertility or miscarriage in some cases.