Reproductive Endocrinology : A Molecular Approach

Modern reproductive biology encompasses every level of biological study from genomics to ecology, encompassing cell
biology, biochemistry, endocrinology and general physiology. All of these disciplines require basic knowledge, both as
a tool and as an essential aid to a fundamental understanding of the principles of life in health and disease. Overall,
molecular biology is central to scientific studies in all living matter, impacting disciplines such as medicine,
related health sciences, veterinary, agriculture and environmental sciences.

In Reproductive Endocrinology: A Molecular Approach, the basic biochemistry of nucleic acids and proteins are reviewed.
Methodologies used to study signaling and gene regulation in the endocrine/reproductive system are also discussed.
Topics include mechanisms of hormone action and several endocrine disorders affecting the reproductive system.
Professionals in the medical, veterinary and animal sciences fields will find exciting and stimulating material
enhancing the breadth and quality of their research


Table of contentstableOfContents
Introduction to the Molecular Organization of the Endocrine/Reproductive System.- Extracellular Signaling Receptors.-
The Molecules that Transmit Information Into the Cell: The Intracellular Signaling Pathways.- Introduction to Molecular
Biology: Structure and Function of the Macromolecules of Genetic Information.- Regulation of Gene Expression.-
Molecular Basis of Abnormal Phenotype. Recombinant DNA Technology.- Techniques for DNA Analysis.- Analyzing Gene
Expression.- Microarrays Analysis.- Computer Assisted Analysis of Genes.- Introduction to Gene Therapy.- GnRH-GnRH-
receptor System in the Mammalian Female Reproductive Tract.- FSH: One Hormone with Multiple Forms or a Family of
Multiple Hormones.- The FSH Receptor: One Receptor with Multiple Forms or a Family of Receptors.- Regulation of the
Early Steps in Gonadal Steroidogenesis.- Prostaglandins and their Mechanisms of Action in the Cyclic Ovary.- Androgens -
Molecular Basis and Related Disorders.- Leptin as a Reproductive Hormone.- Neurosteroids and Sexual Behavior and
Reproduction.- Ovarian Endocrine Activity: Role of Follistatin, Activin and Inhibin, Hormonal and Molecular Regulation
of the Cytochrome P450 Aromatase Gene Expression in the Ovary.- Epigenetic Mechanisms of Ovarian Gene Regulation.-
Ovarian Function and Failure: The Role of the Oocyte and its Molecules, Molecular Control of Corpus Luteum Function.-
The Molecular Landscape of Spermatogonial Stem Cell Renewal, Meiotic Sex Chromosome Inactivation and Spermatid Head
Shaping. Appendix A: Glossary of Molecular Terms.- Appendix B: Glossary of Terms and Acronyms.- Index.