Molecular Biology Of The Male Reproductive System

Written by experts in their respective fields, this book reviews the expanding knowledge concerning the mechanisms regulating male reproduction at the molecular and cellular levels. It covers the development of the testes and regulatory controls for spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, and it considers aspects of Sertoli cell function. Areas of emphasis include communication between the various cell types involved in reproduction by hormone and growth factors and the mechanisms by which these factors regulate gene expression. A number of mammalian systems, including humans, are covered. The carefully selected authors provide a clear synopsis of the concepts in each area as well as the latest references, enabling the reader to investigate the topic further. This book is of interest to those seeking an understanding of the regulatory mechanisms in male reproduction and is written for the graduate and postgraduate levels. Key Features * Provides up-to-date reviews of the molecular and cellular biology of male reproduction * Includes chapters on the developmental biology of the testes * Links conventional hormonal control of testicular function with the evolving role of growth factors and proto-oncogenes

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.

Sertoli cells assist in the production of sperm in the male reproductive system. This book provides a state-of-the-art update on the topic of sertoli cells and male reproduction. It addresses such highly topical areas as stem cells, genomics, and molecular genetics, as well as provides historical information on the discovery of this type of cell, and the pathophysiology of male infertility. * Presents the state-of-the-art research on topics such as stem cell research, transplantation and genomics * Includes contributions from leaders in the field, including several members of the National Academy of Science

Male Reproductive Function gives an up-to-date review on the physiology and disease processes associated with the male reproductive system. The first few chapters describe the regulation of the functions of the testis and the integration of its components: germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. This is followed by a description of puberty and aging, and the disorders or dysfunction that may be associated with these physiological processes. Discussions on the current methods for the diagnosis and treatment of male hypogonadism, male infertility and male sexual dysfunction follow, with detailed descriptions of types of androgen replacement and the benefits and risks of such treatment. The book concludes with the development of male contraception and the possible influence of the environment on the male reproductive system. Male Reproductive Function represents a conglomeration of the efforts of experts in andrology from all over the world, both in basic cellular/molecular biology as well as in clinical science and practice. This book is suitable for endocrinologists, urologists, general internists, gynecologists and other students in the field of male reproduction.

This book is a comprehensive, multi-authored work on the structure and function of the mammalian testis. The approach emphasizes gene expression, translation and production of specific gene products and the cellular and molecular regulation of these fundamental processes. Rather than provide a global survey of all aspects of male reproduction, this book stresses specific mechanisms that underscore the structure and function of the testis. It explains old and new concepts from a cellular and molecular perspective. This novel approach allows the authors to forge links between cell and molecular biology and well-established aspects of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. The result is a well-focused, comprehensive, and synthetic analysis of testicular biology.

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.

Physiology and biochemistry of male reproductive function and semen became the main area of my research in 1944, after my attention was finally diverted frorp. animal cells in general, to mammalian spermatozoa specifically~ Ever since, the interest has remained largely focussed on reproductive probletns in mammals, the work continuing mostly at the University of Cambridge, where I was privileged to hold also the Marshall Walton Professorship in Physiology of Reproduction. This work led to the publication of three books, The Biochemistry of Semen (Methuen 1954), The Biochemistry of Semen and of the Male Reproductive Tract (Methuen 1964) and lately, in co authorship with my wife, Dr. Cecilia Lutwak-Mann, Male Re productive Function and Semen - Themes and Trends in Phys iology, Biochemistry and Investigative Andrology (Springer Verlag 1981). In 1960, thanks to the Lalor Foundation, I was able to avail myself for the first time of a chance to visit the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole and there to take part in a study of reproduction in marine animals. Ever since, first as Visiting Professor of Biology at the State University of Florida, and later as the Walker Ames Professor and frequent visitor to the Department of Zoology at the University of Washington in Seattle, it has been my good fortune to sustain this pew interest and to pursue it further.