Sperm Biology

Sperm Biology represents the first analysis of the evolutionary significance of sperm phenotypes and derived sperm traits and the possible selection pressures responsible for sperm-egg coevolution. An understanding of sperm evolution is fast developing and promises to shed light on many topics from basic reproductive biology to the evolutionary process itself as well as the sperm proteome, the sperm genome and the quantitative genetics of sperm. The Editors have identified 15 topics of current interest and biological significance to cover all aspects of this bizarre, fascinating and important subject. It comprises the most comprehensive and up-to-date review of the evolution of sperm and pointers for future research, written by experts in both sperm biology and evolutionary biology. The combination of evolution and sperm is a potent mix, and this is the definitive account. - The first review survey of this emerging field - Written by experts from a broad array of disciplines from the physiological and biomedical to the ecological and evolutionary - Sheds light on the intricacies of reproduction and the coevolution of sperm, egg and reproductive behavior

Biology of Fertilization, Volume 2: Biology of the Sperm is the second in a three-volume series that brings together various lines of research about reproduction in general and fertilization in particular. It is devoted to spermatogenesis, sperm physiology, and the initial interactions of sperm with egg components. The book is organized into three parts. Part I on spermatogenesis and sperm physiology includes studies on the evolution of the sperm cell; regulatory mechanisms, sperm antigen differentiation, and maturation of sperm in the reproductive tracts in mammals; physicochemical mechanisms of the acrosome filament extrusion process; and enzymes associated with sperm cell function. Part II deals with chemotaxis in microorganisms: bacteria and slime molds. Part III on gamete recognition and binding includes studies on identifying, isolating, and characterizing specific sperm and egg surface components involved in sperm-egg interaction; fertilization in the alga Fucus; fertilization in insects; and the role of lysins in fertilization.

A comprehensive and practice-oriented resource guide to currently available diagnostic and treatment options for male infertility disorders. Topics covered range from basic sperm biology and male reproductive endocrinology, to immunology, specialized sperm testing, and the genetic background to male infertility. The authors emphasize the investigation, diagnostic testing, and management of the infertile male, but also examine such timely issues as gender selection, HIV discordance couples, and posthumous reproduction. Other topics of interest include laboratory accreditation, vasectomy reversal, ethical and legal considerations of donor insemination, optimizing success in a donor insemination program, and strategic therapies for ejaculatory disorders and erectile dysfunction in infertile men.

This book on protocols in semen biology is a compilation of 20 chapters written by 15 experts from 5 Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutions, focusing on the basics of various procedures in semen biology with applications in animal and other allied sciences The information is presented in simple language with illustrative figures and colour microphotographs, making it understandable for readers of every level. It highlights recent findings, the comparative analysis of assays, protocols, points to ponder, background information and major references, and also compares various assays for evaluating a seminal parameters. The book provides a comprehensive resource for beginners, as well as academics, investigators and scientists of animal semen biology and relevant fields. Further, it offers valuable teaching material.

The success of Assisted Reproductive Technology is critically dependent upon the use of well optimized protocols, based upon sound scientific reasoning, empirical observations and evidence of clinical efficacy. Recently, the treatment of infertility has experienced a revolution, with the routine adoption of increasingly specialized molecular biological techniques and advanced methods for the manipulation of gametes and embryos. This textbook – inspired by the postgraduate degree program at the University of Oxford – guides students through the multidisciplinary syllabus essential to ART laboratory practice, from basic culture techniques and micromanipulation to laboratory management and quality assurance, and from endocrinology to molecular biology and research methods. Written for all levels of IVF practitioners, reproductive biologists and technologists involved in human reproductive science, it can be used as a reference manual for all IVF labs and as a textbook by undergraduates, advanced students, scientists and professionals involved in gamete, embryo or stem cell biology.

This atlas provides ultrastructural morphological images of human spermatozoa. Sperm morphology plays an essential role in sperm-oocyte interactions and early embryonic development, and human sperm ultrastructural morphology offers a valuable reference tool for assessing certain etiologies of male infertility and reproductive failure. However, the ultrastructural morphology of human sperm has not been systematically evaluated or thoroughly described in the literature. Using 470 original and unpublished images, the book shows various ultrastructural morphological phenotypes; defects of the sperm head, neck, middle piece, principal piece, and terminal piece; as well as artefacts of sperm ultrastructural morphology and phenomena related to inadequate preparation, demonstrating many sperm phenotypes and surface structural appearances for the first time. As such, it helps researchers and practitioners in andrology, reproductive medicine, and reproductive pathology gain a better understanding of human sperm ultrastructural morphology.