Reproduction: Part B

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

Vertebrate Endocrinology: Fundamentals and Biomedical Implication, Volume 4, Part B: Reproduction provides information relevant to the structure and function of the vertebrate… Read more

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Vertebrate Endocrinology: Fundamentals and Biomedical Implication, Volume 4, Part B: Reproduction provides information relevant 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, as well as the maturation and aging of the reproductive system. Organized into nine chapters, this volume starts with an overview of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is the physiological regulator of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release from the pituitary gland. This book then explores the significance of gonadotropins in animal life, which act directly on the gonads of vertebrates and control the development, maturation, and release of gametes. Other chapters consider the interactions between the reproductive system and the pineal gland in photoperiodic mammals. The final chapter deals with the evolution of the endocrine systems, which is involved in the control of vertebrate reproduction. Reproductive endocrinologists and developmental neuroendocrinologists will find this book extremely useful.

Contributors

Preface

Contents of Previous Volumes

8 Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormones

I. Introduction

II. Phylogenetic Distribution of GnRH Molecular Forms

III. Interspecific Biological Activities of Vertebrate GnRHs

IV. Structure-Activity Relations of GnRHs and Analogs in Vertebrates

V. GnRH Stimulation of Gonadotropin Release

VI. The GnRH Gene and Gene Products

VII. Evolution of GnRH Structure and Function

VIII. Biomedical Implications and Conclusions

References

9 Gonadotropins

I. Introduction

II. History of Gonadotropin Isolation

III. Classification of Gonadotropins

IV. Biological Effects

V. Mode of Action of Gonadotropin

VI. Chemical Structures

VII. Gonadotropin Genes and Their Expressions

VIII. Evolution of Gonadotropin Molecules

IX. Comparative Endocrinology: Contributions and Biomedical Implications

References

10 Estrogens and Progestins

I. Introduction

II. Steroid Structure and Synthesis

III. Agonists and Antagonists

IV. Sites of Synthesis

V. Steroid Metabolism

VI. Functions of Progesterone

VII. Functions of Estrogen

VIII. Serum Steroid-Binding Components

IX. Uptake of Steroid

X. Steroid Hormone Receptors

XI. Mechanism of Steroid Hormone Action

XII. Estrogen-Progesterone Relationships

XIII. Summary and Biomedical Implications

References

11 Androgens

I. Introduction

II. Occurrence of Androgens in Vertebrates

III. Biosynthesis of Androgens

IV. Regulation of Androgen Biosynthesis

V. Metabolism of Androgens

VI. Androgen Transport in Blood

VII. Hormonal Action

VIII. Concluding Remarks and Biomedical Implications

References

12 Sexual Differentiation

I. Introduction

II. Basic Mechanisms

III. Genetics of Vertebrate Sex Differentiation

IV. Alternative Modes of Sex Differentiation

V. Comparative Contributions and Biomedical Implications

References

13 Natural Regulation of Reproductive Cycles

I. Introduction

II. Initial Predictive Information

III. Supplementary Information

IV. Synchronizing and Integrating Information

V. Modifying Information

VI. Conclusions and Biomedical Implications

References

14 Artificial Regulation of Reproductive Cycles

I. Introduction

II. Physiochemical Regulation of Reproductive Cycles

III. Summary and Future Directions

References

15 The Pineal Gland: Reproductive Interactions

I. Introduction

II. Neural Connections of the Pineal Gland

III. Photoperiod and the Control of Melatonin

IV. Pineal, Melatonin, and Reproduction

V. Pineal Peptides and Reproduction

VI. Summary, Perspectives, and Biomedical Implications

References

16 Endocrine Control of Reproduction: Evolutionary Considerations

I. Introduction

II. Molecular Evolution

III. Evolution of Control Mechanisms

IV. Evolution of Hormonal Receptors and Final Effects

Conclusions

References

Index