The study of the development of the fetal membranes is an ancient one, and the importance
of placental vascular development to placental function has long been recognized. Animal
models have been important in these studies, as they allow for controlled experiments and
analysis of multiple time-points during pregnancy. Since the demonstration nearly 20 years
ago that the placenta produces angiogenic factors, the major factors regulating placental
angiogenesis have been identified. These major factors include vascular endothelial growth …