Description
Springer Biology of Ovarian Follicles in Mammals 1st Editon 2011 Softbound by S.S. Guraya
Both functions of the mammalian ovary, the endocrine and (synthesis and secretion of steroid hormones) and exocrine (production of ova), depend upon the presence and cyclic growth of follicles, as the depletion of primordial follicles from the ovary leads to cessation of these f-unctions or female reproduction in mammals, or to postmenopausal period in humans. Actually, various fertility and sterility problems at the ovarian level are related to follicles. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the biology of ovarian follicles in mammals is of fundamental interest to a wide variety of academic and scientific disciplines. Study of their structure, function, and control involves mor phology, including ultrastructure, cell biology, physiology, endocrinology, biochemis try, immunology, neurobiology and pharmacology. Zoologists take interest in comparative and evolutionary aspects of biology of ovarian follicles in many different groups of mammals. Agricultural scientists and wildlife biologists need a thorough knowledge of the biology of follicles to control more effectively fecundity in domestic animals and endangered species of mammals. Finally, clinical scientists, toxicologists and physicians want to know the normal and pathological features of ovarian follicles in women, especially in relation to health and the regulation of fertility. Having in view the great importance of studying various aspects of biology of ovarian follicles, numerous papers and reviews on several aspects of ovarian follicles are published annually in a wide variety of scientific journals. I - Introduction.- II - Primordial Follicle.- A. Balbiani’s Vitelline Body.- B. Nucleus.- C. Follicle Wall.- D. Surrounding Stromal Cells.- III - Follicle Growth.- A. Oocyte.- B. Zona Pellucida.- C. Morphological and Physiological Interrelationships Between the Granulosa Cells and Growing Oocyte.- E. Follicle Wall.- E. Basal Lamina and Transfer of Substances into the Follicle.- F. Follicular Fluid.- IV - Ovum Maturation.- A. Nuclear Changes and Expulsion of Polar Bodies.- B. Cytoplasmic Changes.- C. Alterations of the Oocyte Follicle Cell Relationship (or Oocyte-Cumulus Communication).- D. Effects of Hormones, Drugs, and Various Other Factors on Oocyte Maturation.- E. RNA and Protein Synthesis and Other Metabolic Changes.- V - Ovulation.- A. Intrafollicular Pressure and Vascular Changes.- B. Nervous, Muscular and Neuromuscular Controls.- C. Enzymatic Digestion and Morphological Alterations.- D. Role of Hormones and Prostaglandins.- VI - Luteinizatioii and Steroidogenesis in the Follicle Wall During Pre-ovulatory and Ovulatory Periods.- A. Granulosa Cells.- B. Theca Interna Cells.- C. Shift in Steroid Production in the Ovulatory Follicle.- VII - Follicular Atresia.- A. Morphology, Histochemistry, Biochemistry and Physiology.- B. Factors Influencing Follicular Atresia.- C. Significance of Follicular Atresia.- D. General Discussion and Conclusions.- References.