The Leydig Cell

This book provides a comprehensive study of the Leydig cell, a fascinating and important cell type. It presents all of the developments in our understanding of Leydig cell biology and explores a wide variety of current and potential clinical applications. All aspects of Leydig cell biology, development, regulation, and physiology are explored in thirty-one expertly written chapters. This in-depth volume is an invaluable resource.

The testis is composed of seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue. The most important component of the interstitial tissue are the testosterone-producing Leydig cells. The seminiferous tubules contain the successive generations of germ cells, which can only exist in the presence of Sertoli cells. Sertoli cells mediate the effect of testosterone, which is indispensable for the maintenance of spermatogenesis. Consequently, the function of the Sertoli cells depends large lyon the function of the Leydig cells, and a local control mechanism between the two cell systems has been assumed. Sertoli cells are supposed to interfere with the regulation of Leydig cell hormone production (Aoki and Fawcett 1978; Sharpe et al. 1981). Few cell types of the testis have received as much attention in recent years as have the Sertoli cells. While comprehensive data had accumulated concerning the differentiation of germ cells, there was formerly little information available on the influence of Sertoli cells on this process. Only through recently developed methods and experimental approaches could their central role in spermatogene sis be verified. Sertoli cells are the only somatic cells in the seminiferous tubules. Their origin is still disputed (for references see Ritzen et al. 1981). They supposedly stem either from the coelomic epithelium or from mesenchymal cells of the genital ridges. According to Wartenberg (1978) they are derived from a gonadal blas tema containing cells from both the coelomic epithelium and the mesonephros.

The new edition of this canonical text on male reproductive medicine will cement the book's market-leading position. Practitioners across many specialties - including urologists, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, medical endocrinologists and many in internal medicine and family practice – will see men with suboptimal fertility and reproductive problems. The book provides an excellent source of timely, well-considered information for those training in this young and rapidly evolving field. While several recent books provide targeted 'cookbooks' for those in a male reproductive laboratory, or quick reference for practising generalists, the modern, comprehensive reference providing both a background for male reproductive medicine as well as clinical practice information based on that foundation has been lacking until now. The book has been extensively revised with a particular focus on modern molecular medicine. Appropriate therapeutic interventions are highlighted throughout.

Bovine Reproduction is a comprehensive, current reference providing information on all aspects of reproduction in the bull and cow. Offering fundamental knowledge on evaluating and restoring fertility in the bovine patient, the book also places information in the context of herd health where appropriate for a truly global view of bovine theriogenology. Printed in full color throughout, the book includes 83 chapters and more than 550 images, making it the most exhaustive reference available on this topic. Each section covers anatomy and physiology, breeding management, and reproductive surgery, as well as obstetrics and pregnancy wastage in the cow. Bovine Reproduction is a welcome resource for bovine practitioners, theriogenologists, and animal scientists, as well as veterinary students and residents with an interest in the cow.

Current knowledge concerning both morphological and functional cryptorchid-related alterations in the various testicular compartments is summarized in this valuable new publication. Damage to the germinal epithelium and resulting infertility in both humans and experimental animals as well as the degree of damage to the different stages of germ cell development is discussed. In addition, information concerning hormonal therapy and orchidopexy to reverse cryptorchid-related damage is provided. Morphological alterations in Sertoli and Leydig cells is discussed in terms of cellular hypertrophy and hyperplasia, alterations in organelle number and characteristics as well as changes in cell-cell junctional complexes. Changes in Sertoli cell and Leydig cell function, including gonadotropin binding, steroidogenesis and other metabolic alterations is also outlined,as well as the influence of altered testicular function on subsequent hypothalamic-pituitary changes. Vascular disruption, the potential role of paracrine substances and direct thermal damage, all of which may be responsible for the resulting detrimental changes in one or more testicular compartments, are considered.

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.