Molecular Biology Of The Female Reproductive System

New techniques in cellular and molecular biology have increased our understanding of the mechanisms controlling reproductive function in the female. Emphasizing these new techniques, Molecular Biology of the Female Reproductive System provides a state-of-the-art review of local regulatory mechanisms that control reproductive processes. Stressing the interface of endocrinology, immunology, and cell biology, this book concentrates on the autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine systems that regulate both the functions of the ovary and uterus and the interaction between the early embryo and the mother. Covers the mechanisms controlling reproductive function in the female Offers a cellular and molecular approach to the control of reproductive function Focuses on the ovary and uterus, and includes a discussion of the early embryo, including Hormonal control of folliculogenesis and luteal function Cell-cell interactions in the follicle Role of cytokines in regulating steroid and protein hormone production Endocrine receptors and mechanisms in ovulation Cell biology of the oviduct and uterus Migratory cells Paracrine regulation Hormones of the trophectoderm and early placenta Interaction between trophectoderm and endometrium Provides extensive references

Due to the paucity of reviews on this subject, this volume aims to be timely and promote additional basic and translational research on these proteins in reproductive system development and function within the fields of Anatomy, Embryology and Cell Biology. The breadth of the work being conducted within Reproduction is exemplified by the contributors to this series who will provide reviews on: Grp78 roles in female reproduction, small heat shock proteins/co-chaperones as players in uterine smooth muscle function, the role of heat shock proteins in sperm function and maternal contribution to oogenesis and early embryogenesis, heat shock factors and testes development, HSP90 in ovarian biology and pathology, and the role of HSP70 in regulation of autophagy in pregnancy and parturition.

The overall scope of this new series will be to evolve an understanding of the genetic basis of (1) how early mesoderm commits to cells of a heart lineage that progressively and irreversibly assemble into a segmented, primary heart tube that can be remodeled into a four-chambered organ, and (2) how blood vessels are derived and assembled both in the heart and in the body. Our central aim is to establish a four-dimensional, spatiotemporal foundation for the heart and blood vessels that can be genetically dissected for function and mechanism. Since Robert DeHaan's seminal chapter "Morphogenesis of the Vertebrate Heart" published in Organogenesis (Holt Rinehart & Winston, NY) in 1965, there have been surprisingly few books devoted to the subject of cardiovascular morpho genesis, despite the enormous growth of interest that occurred nationally and inter nationally. Most writings on the subject have been scholarly compilations of the proceedings of major national or international symposia or multi authored volumes, without a specific theme. What is missing are the unifying concepts that can often make sense out of a burgeoning database of facts. The Editorial Board of this new series believes the time has come for a book series dedicated to cardiovascular mor not only as an important archival and didactic reference phogenesis that will serve source for those who have recently come into the field but also as a guide to the evo lution of a field that is clearly coming of age.

Molecular biology emerged from advances in biochemistry during the 1940s and 1950s, when the structure of the nucleic acids and proteins were elucidated. Beginning in the 1970s, with nucleic acid enzymology and the discovery of the restriction enzymes, the tools of molecular biology became widely available and applied in cell biology to study how genes are regulated. This new knowledge impacted endocrinology and reproductive biology since it was largely known that the secretion of the internal glands affected the phenotypes, and expression of genes. Modern reproductive biology encompasses every level of biological study from genomics to ecology, encompassing cell biology, biochemistry, endocrinology and general physiology. All of these disciplines require a basic knowledge, both as a tool and as an essential aid to a fundamental understanding of the principles of life in health and disease. Overall, molecular biology is central to scientific studies in all living matter, impacting disciplines such as medicine, related health sciences, veterinary, agriculture and environmental sciences. In this book, the basic biochemistry of nucleic acids and proteins are reviewed. Methodologies used to study signaling and gene regulation in the endocrine/reproductive system are also discussed. Topics include mechanisms of hormone action and several endocrine disorders affecting the reproductive system. Professionals in the medical, veterinary and animal sciences fields will find exciting and stimulating material enhancing the breadth and quality of their research.

This is an exceptionally comprehensive, color-illustrated clinical reference work of great authority thoroughly covering the basic science and clinical applications of molecular biology in reproductive medicine. It is written clearly and definitively for practicing physicians needing a reader-friendly textbook on this new and important area of clinical practice. Its noted authors are among the world s leading experts in molecular and cell biology, pharmacology, human and clinical genetics, obstetrics and gynecology and women's health, reproductive endocrinology and fertility, physiology, and medical ethics. The book contains 23 chapters in six sections on molecular genetics, cell biology, hormone syntheses and action and signal transduction, gamete and embryo biology, clinical genetics, and the genetics of female and male reproductive dysfunction.

Aspects of reproduction covered in this volume include classification and phylogeny as revealed by molecular biology; anatomy of the male reproductive tract and organs; anatomy and evolution of copulatory structures; development and anatomy of the female reproductive tract; endocrinology of reproduction; ovarian dynamics and follicle development; spermatogenesis and testicular cycles; avian spermatozoa: structure and phylogeny; testis size, sperm size and sperm competition and lastly, fertilization.

When considering the physiological systems of the body, the degree of species variation within the reproductive system compared to other systems is remarkable. Furthermore, it is essential that researchers, educators, and students alike remain aware of the fundamental comparative differences in the reproductive biology of domestic species. Written by renowned scientists in their respective fields, Comparative Reproductive Biology is a comprehensive reference on the reproductive systems of domestic species. The book offers both broad and specific knowledge in areas that have advanced the field in recent years, including advances in cell and molecular biology applied to reproduction, transgenic animal production, gender selection, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, cryobiology, animal cloning and many others. This seminal text includes topics in animal reproduction that are usually only found as part of other books in animal science such as anatomy, histology, physiology, radiology, ultrasonogrophy, and others. Comprehensive reference of the reproductive systems of domestic species Written by a team of top researchers Richly illustrated throughout, including 12 pages of color images