Book Description

Methods in Mammalian Reproduction presents some of the techniques for manipulating, analyzing, observing, testing, and generally experimenting with mammalian mothers and their gametes and embryos. Mammalian reproduction involves an intimate relationship between mother and embryo. The first 18 chapters are arranged in an order that follows a developmental sequence from oocyte to fetal organs and the remaining seven chapters deal with the maternal side of the relationship. With strong focus on laboratory rodents and lagomorphs, the book starts with an introduction to in vitro oocyte maturation and experimental production of mammalian parthenogenetic. It goes on to describe the microtechniques in pre-implantation of embryos, production of chimeras, techniques for early embryonic tissue separation, mammalian embryo preservation by freezing, and in vitro development of whole mouse embryos beyond the implantation stage. Chapters 11-15 discuss the in vitro implantation of mouse blastocysts, advances in rabbit embryo and in large mammal embryo cultures, embryo transfer in large domestic mammals, and manipulation of marsupial embryos and pouch young. The following chapters cover reproduction experiments using marsupials, domestic farm species, and primates including humans. Finally, the concluding chapters tackle the use of amniocentesis in prenatal diagnosis, collection and analysis of female genital tract secretions, analysis of antifertility action of intrauterine devices, and surgical induction of endometriosis. This book will be helpful to students, teachers, researchers, and clinical researchers who demand for more and better procedures for analysis of mammalian reproduction.