Description
Springer Ultrastructure of Reproduction Gametogenesis Fertilization and Embryogenesis 1st Editon 2011 Softbound by Jonathan van Blerkom, P. Motta
Advances in the development and application of electron microscopic techniques have occurred recently such that the electron microscope has evolved to become an essential tool in both basic and clinical research. Use of this instrument has contributed significantly to the formation of new perspectives and concepts concerning cell fine structure. These structural perspectives are now being integrated with specific functional, biochemical and pathophysiological events and processes of cells and tissues. Most recently, utilization of innovative electron microscopic techniques such as freeze-fracture, freeze etching, and scanning and high-voltage electron microscopy offers both the basic and clinical scientist potentially fundamental insights into many morphodynamic processes related to the activities of cells and tissues. Such an approach has been especially rewarding when applied to the dynamic events of gametogenesis and early embryonic development. The chapters comprising this book have been selected and edited with the aim of providing an up-to-date and comprehensive account of the most important aspects of vertebrate gamets and embryos as revealed by the integration of several different submicroscopic methods. The organization of the chapters is designed to indicate present gaps in our knowledge of the developmental and reproductive biology of gametes and the developing embryo and possible Iines of research which may lead to a lessening of these gaps. Content.- One: Gametogenesis.- 1. Origin of the germ cell line.- 2. Ultrastructure of primordial germ cells in the early chick embryo.- 3. Germ and somatic cell interactions during gonadal morphogenesis.- 4. Germ cell differentiation and intercellular bridges.- 5. Spermiation — the sperm release process: Ultrastructural observations and unresolved problems.- 6. Fine structural features of Sertoli cells.- 7. Membrane organization and differentiation in the Guinea pig spermatozoon.- 8. Comparative aspects of acrosomal formation.- 9. Changes in the sperm surface during maturation in the epididymis.- 10. The human spermatozoon.- 11. Structure and evolution of the nucleolus during oogenesis.- 12. Ultrastructural changes in ovarian oocytes induced by ionizing radiations.- 13. Association of oocytes with follicular cells, and oocyte chromatin during maturation.- Two: Fertilization and Embryogenesis.- 14. Problems in the analysis of mammalian fertilization.- 15. Ultrastructure of human fertilization.- 16. The cell surface of the mammalian embryo during early development.- 17. The mosaic organization of the preimplantation embryo.- 18. Virus-like particles and related expressions in mammalian oocytes and preimplantation stage embryos.- 19. Crystalline inclusions in embryonic and maternal cells.- 20. Cellular aspects of implantation.- 21. The fine structure and function of the trophoblast during normal and delayed implantation.