Reproduction: Part A

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.

Inhalt

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