The relationship between human chorionic gonadotropin and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is partially mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of VEGF inhibition on the development of corpora lutea (CL) and cystic structures, steroidogenesis, apoptosis, cell proliferation, endothelial cell area, VEGF receptors (KDR and Flt-1), claudin-5 and occludin levels in ovaries from an OHSS rat model. The VEGF inhibitor used (VEGF receptor-1 (FLT-1)/Fc chimera, TRAP) decreased the concentrations of progesterone and estradiol as well as the percentage of CL and cystic structures in OHSS rats, and increased apoptosis in CL. Endothelial cell area in CL and KDR expression and its phosphorylation were increased, whereas claudin-5 and occludin levels were decreased in the OHSS compared to the control TRAP reversed these parameters. Our findings indicate that VEGF inhibition prevents the early onset of OHSS and decreases its severity in rats. Fil: Scotti, Leopoldina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (i); Argentina Fil: Abramovich, Dalhia Nurit. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (i); Argentina Fil: Pascuali, Natalia Marisa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (i); Argentina Fil: Irusta, Griselda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (i); Argentina Fil: Meresman, Gabriela Fabiana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (i); Argentina Fil: Tesone, Marta. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Biológica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (i); Argentina Fil: Parborell, Maria Fernanda Agustina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (i); Argentina