Reproduction: Part A

1st Edition - February 28, 1991
Editor: Peter K.T. Pang
Language: English
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 1 6 2 8 3 - 8

Vertebrate Endocrinology: Fundamentals and Biomedical Implications, Volume 4, Part A: Reproduction provides information pertinent to the structure and function of the vertebrate… Read more

Purchase options

LIMITED OFFER

Save 50% on book bundles

Immediately download your ebook while waiting for your print delivery. No promo code is needed.

Institutional subscription on ScienceDirect

Request a sales quote

Vertebrate Endocrinology: Fundamentals and Biomedical Implications, Volume 4, Part A: Reproduction provides information pertinent to the structure and function of the vertebrate reproductive endocrinology. This book deals with a variety of subjects, including oocyte maturation, gestation, ovulation, vitellogenesis, spermatogenesis, and the maturation and aging of the reproductive system. Organized into seven chapters, this volume starts with an overview of the reproductive mechanisms and their underlying bases, with focus on the similarities between species. This book then discusses the factors of reproductive failure in many species, including failure of ovulation, abnormal fertilization, failure of fertilization, and failure of implantation. Other chapters explore the cellular, endocrinological, and molecular mechanisms that regulate oocyte maturation in mammals, which is directly stimulated by the need to improve human fertility and fecundity in domestic mammals. The final chapter deals with the aging of the brain–pituitary–gonadal axis in vertebrates. Reproductive endocrinologists and developmental neuroendocrinologists will find this book extremely useful.

Contributors

Preface

Contents of Previous Volumes

1 Introduction to Vertebrate Reproductive Endocrinology

I. Reproductive Strategies

II. Development of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems

III. Internal Fertilization in an "Extracorporeal" Space

IV. The Use of Archetypal Mechanisms for Reproduction

V. Management of Reproduction

VI. Evolutionary Considerations

VII. Summary and Clinical Implications

References

2 Oocyte Maturation in Vertebrates

I. Introduction

II. Ovarian Control of Oocyte Maturation

III. Intraoocyte Control of Maturation

IV. Regulation of the Ovarian Activity Related to Oocyte Maturation

V. Regulation of the Hypothalamo-Hypophysial Activity Related to Oocyte Maturation

VI. Acquisition of Maturational Competence

VII. Concluding Remarks and Biomedical Implications

References

3 Vitellogenesis

I. Introduction

II. The Vertebrate Liver as a Target Organ of Estrogen

III. Vitellogenins and Vitellogenin Genes

IV. Estrogen and the Induction of Vitellogenesis

V. Mechanisms of Estrogen Action in the Liver

VI. Endocrine and Nonendocrine Factors Controlling Vitellogenesis

VII. Conclusion

References

4 Ovulation: Mediators at the Ovarian Level

I. Introduction

II. Eicosanoids and Ovulation

III. Secondary Mediators and Ovulation

IV. Neurotransmitters and Ovulation

V. Vasoactive Substances and Ovulation

VI. Proteolytic Enzymes and Ovulation

VII. The Use of Lower Vertebrate Models for Studying Ovulation: Biomedical Implications

References

5 Gestation, with Emphasis on Corpus Luteum Biology, Placentation, and Parturition

I. Introduction

II. Agnatha

III. Chondrichthyes

IV. Osteichthyes

V. Amphibia

VI. Reptilia

VII. Aves

VIII. Conclusions and Biomedical Implications

References

6 Spermatogenesis

I. General Considerations

II. Germ Cell Stages

III. Anatomical and Functional Units of Spermatogenesis

IV. Kinetics of Spermatogenesis: The Spermatogenic Wave and Cycle of the Seminiferous Epithelium

V. Stem Cells and Spermatogonial Renewal

VI. Regulation of Spermatogenesis

VII. Comparative Contributions and Biomedical Advances

References

7 Maturation and Aging of the Reproductive System

I. Introduction

II. Poikilotherms

III. Homeotherms

IV. Comparative Contributions and Biomedical Implications

V. Conclusion

References

Index