Human Gonadotropins


Book Description

Human Gonadotropins is a must-have reference for basic science researchers looking to maximize their knowledge in this specific field of study. Luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and human chorionic gonadotropin are essential for reproduction and outlined in detail in this work, covering topics ranging from antibodies and immunoassays, to commercial products and standards, genetics, and receptors and intermediaries for gonadotropins. Dr. Laurence Cole has been recognized for his outstanding research throughout his illustrious career. He has received awards from the Institute for Anticancer Research, Biannual Prize for best research; American Association for Clinical Chemistry, Most Outstanding Research Contributor to Clinical Chemistry Prize; Gynecology Oncology, Outstanding Speaker Award; and International Society for Study of Trophoblastic Disease, Gold Medal for most outstanding research. This detailed resource compiles all the recent research together into one volume, with one consistent voice. - Covers the evolution, structure, synthesis, and functions of gonadotropins in meticulous detail - Includes sections on Degradation, Antibodies and Immunoassays, Commercial Products and Standards, and Receptors and Intermediaries - Details a section on Reproduction and Cancer, covering gestational trophoblastic diseases, ovarian cystic disorders, and hCG and cancer




Endocrinology of the Testis and Male Reproduction


Book Description

This book provides a comprehensive overview of endocrinology of the male reproductive system, explaining how it works and how, sometimes, it fails to work. World-class specialists present state of the art knowledge on all aspects, including anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations of testicular diseases, endocrine aspects of andrological and sexual diseases, and therapy. Extensive consideration is given to sexual development, testicular function, the clinical approach to disorders of male reproduction, male hypogonadism, sexual dysfunction, and male infertility. In addition, sociodemographic, psychological, and ethical aspects of male reproductive disorders are discussed. The book is intended as a major reference for endocrinologists, andrologists, and sexologists, as well as basic and clinical scientists. It is published as part of the SpringerReference program, which delivers access to living editions constantly updated through a dynamic peer-review publishing process.




Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)


Book Description

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced during pregnancy by the embryo. It promotes progesterone production by corpus luteal cells. It also functions in pregnancy to promote angiogenesis in uterine vasculature, it immuno-blands the invading placental tissue so it is not rejected by the maternal uterine tissues, promotes the growth of the uterus in line with the growth of the fetus, promotes the differentiation of growing cytotrophoblast cells, promotes the quiescence of contractions in the uterine myometrium during the course of pregnancy, and also has function in growth and development of fetal organs. The book describes the detailed biology, clinical chemistry, and clinical perspectives of hCG and associated molecules, and examines hCG, hyperglycosylated hCG and hCG free ß-subunit, 3 separate and independent molecules with totally sovereign physiological functions. It provides comprehensive information on hCG from basic science to clinical medicine Written by specialists in the field




Assessing the Medical Risks of Human Oocyte Donation for Stem Cell Research


Book Description

It is widely understood that stem cell treatments have the potential to revolutionize medicine. Because of this potential, in 2004 California voters approved Proposition 71 to set up a 10-year, $3 billion program to fund research on stem cells. Under the direction of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, this program will pay to build facilities for stem cell research and will fund doctors and scientists to carry out research with the ultimate goal of helping to develop therapies based on stem cells. For this research to move forward, however, will require a steady supply of stem cells, particularly human embryonic stem cells. Those stem cells are collected from developing human embryos created from eggs-or oocytes-harvested from the ovaries of female donors. Thus much of the promise of stem cells depends on women choosing to donate oocytes to the research effort. The oocyte donation process is not without risk, however. Donors are given doses of hormones to trigger the production of more eggs than would normally be produced, and this hormone treatment can have various side effects. Once the eggs have matured in the ovary, they must be retrieved via a surgical procedure that is typically performed under anesthesia, and both the surgery and the anesthesia carry their own risks. Furthermore, given the very personal nature of egg donation, the experience may carry psychological risks for some women as well. With this in mind, in 2006 the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine contracted with the National Academies to organize a workshop that would bring together experts from various areas to speak about the potential risks of oocyte donation and to summarize what is known and what needs to be known about this topic. The Committee on Assessing the Medical Risks of Human Oocyte Donation for Stem Cell Research was formed to plan the workshop, which was held in San Francisco on September 28, 2006. This report is a summary and synthesis of that workshop.




Hepatotoxicity


Book Description

Written by the foremost authority in the field, this volume is a comprehensive review of the multifaceted phenomenon of hepatotoxicity. Dr. Zimmerman examines the interface between chemicals and the liver; the latest research in experimental hepatotoxicology; the hepatotoxic risks of household, industrial, and environmental chemicals; and the adverse effects of drugs on the liver. This thoroughly revised, updated Second Edition features a greatly expanded section on the wide variety of drugs that can cause liver injury. For quick reference, an appendix lists these medications and their associated hepatic injuries. Also included are in-depth discussions of drug metabolism and factors affecting susceptibility to liver injury.




Neuroendocrinology in Physiology and Medicine


Book Description

A panel of leading experts integrate the latest findings from basic and clinical science to create a comprehensive treatment of the processes by which the brain acts as an endocrine organ, not only to control hormonal functions, but also to maintain homeostasis and regulate behavior. The authors-recognized both as leaders in their fields and as skilled teachers-provide systematic coverage of the analytical, anatomical, functional, clinical, and pathological aspects of neuroendocrinology. Topics range from the interactions between the nervous and endocrine systems to the regulation of reproduction, development, metabolism, fluid balance, and biological rhythms. Neuroendocrinology in Physiology and Medicine offers an unprecedented marriage of clinical and basic knowledge that has been missing from classical neuroscience, endocrinology, and physiology texts. It will teach today's medical students and serve researchers as a valuable reference to this rapidly growing field.




Textbook of Clinical Embryology


Book Description

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.




Pediatric Andrology


Book Description

The subject matter in this volume was derived from papers presented at the Pediatric Andrology session of the 1st Pan American Congress of Andrology held in Caracas, Venezuela in February 1979, as well as from selected additional manuscripts of interest in this field. Prior to this session, identification of a distinct discipline and specialty devoted to pediatric andrology had not occurred, nor had it been conceptualized. Pediatric andrology encompasses many different areas: disorders of sexual development, structural disease of the genital organs, normal and abnormal puberty, undescended testes, genital tumors, gonadal function and its relationship to growth, virilization, fertility and gender identity all represent areas of specific interest, to name but a few. Andrology itself is a unique field, bringing together clinicians and basic scientists with diverse back grounds. It should be noted that between one-half and three-quarters of the clinicians contributing to this issue conduct basic research as well. It has been this unique blend of basic research and clinical medicine which has done much to unravel many of these problems characteristic of this field.




Plant Growth Substances 1970


Book Description

At the 6th International Conference on Plant Growth Substances, held in Carleton University, Ottawa in 1968, it was decided that the 7th should be held in Czecho slovakia, following an invitation by Dr. Kutacek. Historical events intervened and in 1969 another venue was sought. An offer from the Academy of Science in Canberra was accepted by the steering committee. This left rather less time than is desirable to organize an international meeting of this nature and it was with surprise and great relief that the Organizing Committee in Canberra welcomed the arrival of 183 delegates, including a relatively large overseas contingent, to the meeting in December, 1970. The aim of these Conferences is, of course, to provide a forum for discussion of new work and recent trends, both in the lecture sessions and in conversation. Although many of those who initiated these meetings (e.g. Skoog, Went, Blackman, Bennet-Clark) were absent from the Canberra conference - some have retired -it was good to see present so many of the new generation of research workers in this field.




Human Assisted Reproductive Technology


Book Description

Human Assisted Reproductive Technology: Future Trends in Laboratory and Clinical Practice offers a collection of concise, practical review articles on cutting-edge topics within reproductive medicine. Each article presents a balanced view of clinically relevant information and looks ahead to how practice will change over the next five years. The clinical section discusses advances in reproductive surgery and current use of robotic surgery for tubal reversal and removal of fibroids. It looks into the refinement of surgical procedures for fertility preservation purposes. Chapters also discuss non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis with proteomics technology, new concepts in ovarian stimulation and in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome, and evidence-based ART. The embryology section discusses issues ranging from three-dimensional in-vitro ovarian follicle culture, and morphometric and proteomics analysis of embryos, to oocyte and embryo cyropreservation. This forward-looking volume of review articles is key reading for reproductive medicine physicians, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, urologists and andrologists.