In this book, concerned with the spatial and structural repre- sentation of the cell and its particular specializations, the author hasdeviatedconsiderablyfrom the usual planfor other books related to this subject and has presented the illustrative material in the form of detailed and accurate drawings. The layout of the book provides the reader with a briefnarrative accountoftheparticularorganelleaccompanied byafull-plate illustration on the facing page. Most ofthe narrative accounts areaccompaniedbyashortbibliographyofgermanereferences in the event the reader desires to pursue the subject matter in greater depth. In my estimation there is no other presentation currentlyavailablewhich utilizes thisapproach to demonstrate the cellular components and their associated morphophysi- ology with such elegance. Thetextisclearlywrittenand,althoughtheindividualaccounts are brief, they are highly informative with all ofthe important details being provided. The accuracy ofthe textural presenta- tions and the continuity ofexpression provide strong evidence that the author has spent an enormous amount of time in preparing the text and in painstakingly drawing the illustra- tions. Certainly, an obvious strength ofthis volume is the high qualityoftheillustrativerenditions, allofwhichweredrawnby Dr. KRSTIC. These attest to the profound and comprehensive nature of the author's knowledge of the field of cellular and structural biology. This book is truly a work oflove and art by one who is gifted both didactically and artistically. Dr. KRSTIC should be con- gratulated for providing us with an extremely accurate and detailedaccountofthe 2-dimensional, andinmanycasesthe 3- dimensional, view of the cell and its component organelles. It has no equal.

The present volume contains the edited transcript of a Totts Gap Colloquium held May 19-21, 1980 sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The aim of the colloquium was to bring into focus data relating to cell membranes that might contribute to understanding the pathogenic mechanism of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A major impediment to progress in understanding the patho genesis of muscular dystrophy has been the failure, so far, to identify the basic genetic defect. Pending the identification of the genetic lesion in Duchenne dystrophy and, in view of scattered but persistent indications of a basic membrane disturbance, it seemed worthwhile to explore in open dialogue the current state of knowledge of membrane morphology and chemistry with an eye to possible leads for further investigation. The participants, drawn from a variety of interested disciplines, attempted to synthesize and reconcile their findings and to identify crucial areas of ignorance in need of exploration. For the most part they avoided specialized jargon and spoke in a language that could be understood by the rest of the group. Apart from providing a review of widely varying approaches to the study of the composition and behavior of cell membranes, the discussions brought together current think g on strategies and approaches to the study of the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy. Already the personal contacts made at the colloquium have led to new inter-institutional collabora tive investigations."

Preparing manuscripts with figures and tables for camera repro duction was a formidable task. Care has been taken for consistency and typographic accuracy. However, I make no claim that no errors exist in this volume., I hope, however, that the reader will under stand and ignore any error and find this compendious volume useful for numerous biologic studies, physiologic explorations and clinical app lications of radiolabeled cellular blood elements in years to come. M. L. Thakur Editor, and the ASI Director ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Dr. Max Hardeman of the University of Amsterdam and Dr. Michael Ezekowitz of Yale University served as the codirectors of the Advanced Study Institute (ASI). Dr. Hardeman spent countless hours and contri buted to the scientific program, took care of mailings in Europe, organized transportation in Italy, and communicated with the hotel management on numerous occasions. I cannot thank him enough Dr. Ezekowitz collected some manuscripts and corrected a few. I am grateful to him. I take this opportunity once again to thank all the guest fac ulty, who, despite their busy schedules and time constraints, accepted my invitation and made valuable contributions to the ASI. I am also grateful to all participants, who were so friendly and were primary resources for many lively discussions. They made the ASI profession ally beneficial and socially enjoyable."

This repackaged edition of this best-selling guide to anatomy in art that will help artists of all levels to improve their life-drawing skills. Unlock your inner artist and discover how to draw the human body in this beautifully-illustrated art book by celebrated artist and teacher, Sarah Simblet. Whether you're looking to develop a new skill this New Year, or develop your drawing skills even further, this visually-striking guide offers a fresh approach to drawing the human body. Dive straight in to discover: -Over 250 specially-commissioned photographs and drawings -Covers each part of the human body from head to toe -10 masterclasses demonstrate how famous artists have depicted the human body -Practical advice and top-tips on life drawing Combining stunning photographs of models with historical and contemporary works of art and her own dynamic life drawing, Sarah will take you on a journey inside the human body to map its skeleton, muscle groups and body systems. Bring your artwork to life in the most dynamic way possible, with detailed line drawings superimposed over photographs to reveal the links between the body's appearance and it's construction. Featuring inspirational master classes on world-famous artworks, from Michelangelo to Hans Holbein, Ingres to Degas and more, discover how artists have depicted the human body over centuries. Each master class features a photograph of a model holding the same pose as in the painting, to highlight key details of anatomy and show how the artist has interpreted them. Understanding anatomy is the foundation to understanding the human body successfully. As well as being the perfect reference, Anatomy for the Artist will inspire you to find a model, reach for your pencil and start drawing! Let DK plant the seed of curiosity and watch as it develops into a life-long love of art, anatomy and more. A must-have volume for artists of all levels who wish to tackle life drawing, or those interested in human anatomy, whether as a gift or self-purchase.

Alfons Staudach has been a long-time member of the Anatomic Institute of Karl Franzens University in Graz, where he has devoted particular atten tion to the deeper understanding, appreciation and visualizion of gross ana tomic details. In this work the author has achieved correspondence between sonograms and anatomic sections with a consistency and persuasiveness unequaled in all the previous literature on diagnostic ultrasound. The various planes of section andtheir characteristic features, and indeed the entire format of the text, are designed to provide even the less experienced sonographer with a valuable basis for conducting his examinations. The more experienced reader will find essential information on topographic relations and organ development that is not available in any other work dealing with fetal ana to y. I am certain that my high estimation of this volume will prove justified, and that it will provice its readers with a useful and stimulating resource. Univ. -Prof. Dr. Walter Thiel (Chairman of the Anatomic Institute of the University of Graz) Foreword Anyone setting this book down after an initial perusal must wonder why such a reference was not available ten years ago. The meticulous and fas cinating juxtaposition of gross anatomic sections with sonograms, together with explanatory drawings and many practical guidelines, should enable even the novice accurately to identify details and interpret sonographic findings with precision."

When I was asked by the late Professor Wolfgang Bargmann in 1973 to write the continuation of his review article on the epiphysis cerebri published in the present Handbuch Series in 1943 I felt greatly flattered and readily agreed, not knowing that it is virtually impossible for a single person to cover comprehensively the vast field of pineal research carried out over the last 35 years. Although I have done my best to include as much of the relevant work as possible (up to July 1979), I am constantly haunted by the references I have missed. I sincerely apologize for these omissions: first, to the authors of these papers, who, in addition to working on one of the most stony grounds of biological research, now may experience the additional frustration of not being quoted; secondly, to my fellow pinealogists or pinealogists-to-be, who may carry out painstaking experiments only to find that they have been done before, or who may be led astray because of lack of information. Nevertheless, I do hope that this monograph will fulfil its aim, namely to show how pineal research has progressed over the last 35 years and where it stands today. It is hoped that it will aid in planning relevant experiments and that it shows which approaches to the pineal problem would be better avoided.

Leading international experts contribute to this selection of reviews covering the merging fields of growth factors, differentiation factors, and cytokines. These appear to play fundamental roles in a wide variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes that include the regulation of growth in normal and malignant cells, embryogenesis, the immune response, wound healing, inflammation, and atherogenesis. The major aspects of recent research and development are discussed, providing an important update in this pioneering field.

A different kind of book! The clivus of skull base is an area difficult to reach in neurosurgery, otorhinolaryngolo- gy, maxillo-facial surgery, plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, and orthopedic surgery. It is for this reason that the various specialities gave found different approaches for different operations.

Since 1984, we have organized Satellite Symposia on Retinal Degenerations that are held in conjunction with the biennial International Congress of Eye Research. The timing and location of our Retinal Degeneration Symposia have all owed scientists and clinicians from around the world to convene and present their exciting new findings. The symposia have been arranged to allow ample time for discussions and one-on-one interactions in a relaxed atmos phere, where international friendships and collaborations could be established. The II International Symposium (also known as the Sendai Symposium on Retinal Degeneration) was held in 1986 in Sendai, Japan, on the occasion of the retirement of Kat suyoshi Mizuno as Professor and Chairman of Ophthalmology at Tohoku Medical SchooL On October 5-9, 1996, we returned to Sendai, where the VII International Symposium was held at the Miyagi Zao resort hotel in the beautiful Mt. Zao region of northern Japan. This meeting was held on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of Makoto Tarnai as Pro fessor and Chairman of Ophthalmology at Tohoku Medical School. One afternoon of the meeting contained a special symposium in honor of Professor Tarnai, who has signifi cantly elevated the level and intensity of research on retinal degenerations at his university and in Japan during this past decade.

Since the thalidomide (Contergan) tragedy about 30 years ago the induction of prenatally-induced morphological or functional defects has been an area of extensive research. Risk assessment of prenatally-induced adverse health effects is still a difficult task from both experimental data as well asfrom observations in humans. In the contributions to this book three major aspects are dealt with: - Quantitative extrapolations of experimental data to the situation possibly relevant for man. - The significance for a risk assessment with respect to man of minor or rare structural abnormalities observed in experimental studies - The future need to assess congenital dysfunctions (e.g. of the hormone or the immune system) beside the present evaulation of structural defects. Limitations as well as gaps of the present knowledge in this area of basic and applied research are pointed out. Since the results of prenatally-induced lesions may manifest themselves not only pre- but often not before late postnatally, numerous aspects of structural and functional abnormaldevelopment must be studied in experimental and clinical investigations.

The purpose of these volumes is to provide a reference work for the methods of purifying many of the receptors we know about. This be comes increasingly important as full-length receptors are overexpressed in bacteria or in insect cell systems. A major problem for abundantly expressed proteins will be their purification. In addition to purification protocols, many other details can be found concerning an individual receptor that may not be available in standard texts or monographs. No book of this type is available as a compendium of purification procedures. Receptor Purification provides protocols for the purification of a wide variety of receptors. These include receptors that bind: neurotransmit ters, polypeptide hormones, steroid hormones, and ligands for related members of the steroid supergene family and others, including receptors involved in bacterial motion. The text of this information is substantial, so as to require its publication in two volumes. Consequently, a division was made by grouping receptors by the nature of their ligands. Thus, in Volume One there are contributions on serotonin receptors, adrenergic receptors, the purification of GTP-binding proteins, opioid receptors, neurotensin receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor, human chorionic gonadotropin receptor, follicle stimulating hormone receptor, thyro tropin receptor, prolactin receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, platelet derived growth factor receptor, colony stimulating factor recep tor, insulin-like growth factor receptors, insulin receptor, fibronectin receptor, interferon receptor, and the cholecystokinin receptor.

H.P. HIGER 1 In the seventeenth century people dreamed about a machine to get rid of evil spirits and obsessions, which were thought to be the main source of mis fortune and disease. I am not going to question this approach, because in a way it sounds reasonable. They dreamed of a machine that would display im ages from the inner world of men which could be easily identified and named. Somehow these are the roots of MR imaging. Of course, we now view disease from a different point of view but our objectives remain the same, namely to make diseases visible and to try to characterize them in order to cure them. This was the reason for setting up a symposium on tissue characterization. About 300 years later the clinical introduction of MRI has great potential for making this dream come true, and I hope that this symposium has con stituted another step toward its realization. When Damadian published his article in 1971 about differences in T1 relaxation times between healthy and pathological tissues, this was a milestone in tissue characterization. His results initiated intensive research in to MR imaging and tissue parameters. Actually his encouraging discovery was not only the first but also the last for a long time in the field of MR tissue characterization.

Endocrinologic investigations during pregnancy have focused in the last decades on placental hormones, the maternal endocrine system and maternal fetal interactions. Less is known about the fetus itself and the interaction of fetal hormonal response and physiological parameters. In this book physiologists, pediatricians and obstetricians active in experimental studies in both physiology and endocrinology combine both aspects of investigations. Historical remarks on the endocrine development of the fetus are followed by observations of the hormonal control of the cardiovascular system. Basic mechanisms of fetal endocrine control such as brain development, fetal growth, fetal behaviour, and thermoregulation are given particular consideration. Finally, carbohydrate metabolism and the mechanism of parturition are outlined.

Dr. Howard House, founder of the House Ear Institute and House Ear Clinic often uses the analogy of planting a seed when referring to establishing the House Ear Institute in 1946. Two grateful patients of Dr. House put forth the idea that his knowledge and innovative skills could be used to expand the understanding of hearing impairment and its treatment. Those two early patients provided the "seed money" to begin the Institute. Since that time, the growth has been phenomenal from a one-man laboratory to a multidisciplinary facility boasting over 175 scien tists, physicians, and support staff, all dedicated to the advancement of otologic research and education. Six years ago after a half-century of remarkable success with prosthetic and device research, the Institute began cultivating a new field of endeavor-cell and molecular biology. Don Nielsen, then the Institute's Executive Vice President for Research and Scientific Director, began exploring the potential for hair cell regen eration and presented his ideas to the Board of Trustees. For a period of six months, we did a lot of fact finding to assess what role the Institute might take in this excit ing new field.

The aimoftheHypospadiasand Genital Symposium, held at theUniversityof California,SanFrancisco,wastoprovideaforumforauthoritativeinvestigatorswhoare activelyinvolvedinthevariousdisciplineswhichdefinetheleadingedgesofhypospadias and genital research. It is important for such investigators to continue to meet for the purpose of discussing the latest developments in their individual fields, to analyze the significanceofcurrent research, to discuss new tactics for unresolved problems and to develop new theories andapproaches asneeded. The two day conference on hypospadiasandgenitaldevelopment research was organizedintothreesections: 1)HumanStudies;2)MechanismofGenitalDevelopment; and 3) Endocrine Disruptors and Sexual Dimorphism in the Animal Kingdom. Each sessionwasintroducedbyanexpertmoderatorfollowedtheinvitedspeakerswithtimefor extensiveinteractionbetweeninvestigators. Thisbookdocumentstheproceedingsofthe HypospadiasandGenitalDevelopmentSymposium. Iwould especially like to thank Kari Gaudette for editorial assistants, Cynthia Ashe, Selcuk Yucel, Antonio Souza and the administrative staffinthe Departmentof Urology. Ihopeyoufindthisresourceuseful. Laurence S. Baskin,M. D. ProgramChair ChiefPediatricUrology UCSF vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Supportforthissymposiumisgratefullyacknowledged TheNationalInstituteofHealthGrant#R13DK*HDS997 UCSFDepartmentofUrology AmericanUrologicAssociation CONTENTS Introduction...1 SECTIONI. HUMANSTUDIES EpidemiologyofHypospadias...*...*...25 J. DavidErickson EndocrineEvaluationofHypospadias...31 G. HyunandT. Kolon EndocrineAbnormalitiesinBoyswithHypospadias...45 R. I. Silver GeneticandClinicalStudiesonHypospadias...***...**...*...73 A. Nordenskjold SECTIONII. MECHANISMOFGENITALDEVELOPMENT DevelopmentofthePenileUrethra. . 87 G. CunhaandL. Baskin AnatomicalStudiesoftheMouseGenitalTubercle...103 L. Baskin,W. Liu,J. Bastacky,andS. Yucel AnatomicalStudiesoftheFibroblastGrowthFactor-l0Mutant,Sonic HedgeHogMutant,andAndrogenReceptorMutantMouseGenital Tubercle...*. **. . 123 S. Yllcel,W. Liu,DCordero,A. Donjacour,G. Cunha,andL. Baskin DevelopmentalGeneticsofHypospadias...149 M. Cohn xiii xiv Contents DevelopmentoftheMouseExternalGenitalia: UniqueModelof Organogenesis...159 K. Suzuki, K. Shiota,Y. Zhang,L. Lei,andG. Yamada NewConceptsontheDevelopmentoCtheVagina...173 E. Shapiro. H. Huang,andX. R. Wu SECTIONIII. ENDOCRINEDISRUPTORSANDSEXUAL DIMORPHISMINTHEANIMALKINGDOM EndocrineDisruptionOverview: AreMalesatRisk? 189 T. Colburn EndocrineDisruptionandHypospadias...203 G. Steinhardt Toxicant-InducedHypospadiasintheMaleRat * 217 L. E. Gray. . I. Ostby,J. Fun,C. Wolf,C. Lambright,V. Wilson, and N. Noreiga MasculinizationofFemaleMammals: LessonsfromNature...243 N. J. PI:H'candS. Glickman Index...255 SectionI Introduction HYPOSPADIAS LaurenceS. Baskin* M. D. ,FAAP 1.

The aim of Bladder Research Congress, San Francisco, California, April 23-25, 1998, was to provide a forum for authoritative investigators who are actively involved in the various disciplines which define the leading edges of bladder research. It is important for such investigators to continue to meet regularly for the purpose of discussing the latest developments in their individual fields, to analyze the significance of current research, to discuss new tactics for unresolved problems, to critically evaluate current theories, and to develop new theories and approaches as needed. The two and a half day meeting was organized into five half day sessions, with each session encompassing one of five topics: (1) Epithelial-Mesenchymal Interactions; (2) Ex tracellular Matrix and Muscle; (3) Nerves and Pharmacology; (4) Infection and Immunol ogy; and (5) Oncology. Each session was introduced by a moderator followed by five to six invited expert speakers with time for extensive interaction from the participants. Two late-afternoon poster sessions allowed further interactions between investigators. This book documents the proceedings of the Bladder Research Congress. It is organ ized into the five half-day sessions of the meeting with moderators overview and an edited transcription of discussions that followed each presentation. I would like to thank Sarah Burke and the Office of Continuing Medical Education, USCF; Joanne Hayward, Editorial Assistant; and Miriam Escamilla, Administrative Assis tant. I hope you find this resource useful. Laurence S. Baskin, M.D.

To preserve tissue by freezing is an ancient concept going back pre sumably to the practice of ice-age hunters. At first glance, it seems as simple as it is attractive: the dynamics of life are frozen in, nothing is added and nothing withdrawn except thermal energy. Thus, the result should be more life-like than after poisoning, tan ning and drying a living cell as we may rudely call the conventional preparation of specimens for electron microscopy. Countless mishaps, however, have taught electron microscopists that cryotechniques too are neither simple nor necessarily more life-like in their outcome. Not too long ago, experts in cryotechniques strictly denied that a cell could truly be vitrified, i.e. that all the solutes and macro molecules could be fixed within non-crystalline, glass-like solid water without the dramatic shifts and segregation effects caused by crystallization. We now know that vitrification is indeed pos sible. Growing insight into the fundamentals of the physics of water and ice, as well as increasing experience of how to cool cells rapidly enough have enlivened the interest in cryofixation and pro duced a wealth of successful applications."

In textbooks on anatomy, radiology and stead of the normal one. An "accessory ar- surgery only the "normal" arterial blood tery" is a second artery ip addition to the one normally present, without any specifi- supply is usually described. This "nor- mality", however, is sometimes found in cation of size being made. However, there less than 30% of all cases for some arteries, is no general agreement on whether minute but in over 95% for others. Rarely men- vessels with very small diameters and hard- tioned are deviations in the individual ar- ly any significant blood flow should also be tery's origin, topographical localization and considered. the area it supplies. They can be classified The aims of this book were twofold: first, to into two groups: malformations and vari- extract the frequency of arterial anomalies from the literature (often published in inac- ations. Malformations often have a nega- tive influence on the function of the organ cessible journals) and second, to classity under normal circumstances, e.g. if both these arteries by schematic outlines of the basic types.

Our knowledge of chromaffin tissue has increased enormously since the last comprehensive treatise in this series was published in 1943, chiefly as a result of the development of new histological methods and technical improve- ments. Less than 40 years have passed since the review by MAX WATZKA, and essentially only 25 years were required to accumulate an abundance of revolu- tionizing findings: it was not until 1957 that the carotid body was first studied successfully with the electron microscope. In 1962 the technique of formalde- hyde-induced fluorescence was introduced, yielding a view of adrenergic struc- tures that was completely new and far better than that obtained with the chro- maffin reaction. Immunohistochemistry made it possible to localize enzymes responsible for catecholamine synthesis and to detect peptide hormones. Autora- diographic techniques were used at the level of the electron microscope, the method of chemical sympathectomy was introduced and still other technical improvements could be mentioned. I myself have been interested in chromaffin cells and sympathetic neurons since 1965, when I entered the Department of Histology, University of Vienna, as a medical student. Therefore I have not followed the developments mentioned above retrospectively, but have actually experienced them. Anyone who experi- ences such a development comes to believe that he is well acquainted with the various results and interpretations and is thus capable of objectivity.

The examination of excavated human bone finds is mainly the domain of anthropologists and forensic pathologists, the former working with ancient and historical specimens, the latter with modern finds. The methodological and diagnostic approaches to these skeletal finds are the same, regardless of the time of burial. For physical an thropology, bodily human relics are dealt with as historical resources which give clues to ancient population structure, population develop ment, life-style and subsistence. They are thus able to help scientists understand the present state of human populations. The identification of the finds, whether species diagnosis or the evaluation of individual parameters such as sex, age at death, body size and shape, kinship and pathology follows the same procedure used by forensic patholo gists, whose task is the identification of bodily relics in cases of crime, mass disaster and the like. However, there are other disciplines which benefit from excavated bone finds. Anatomy gains insights into the morphological variability of the skeleton in time and place. The implications for modern physi cians and pathologists are at least two-fold: pathological specimens are suitable to unravel the distribution of many diseases and the susceptibility of individuals to pathogens in pre-antibiotic populations. In addition to this epidemiological aspect, exhumed specimens often exhibit advanced states of bone disease which are no longer or only very rarely present in today's industrialized populations because of efficient surgical intervention and pharmacological treatment."

It is essential to know all of the intricate lymph pathways when performing surgery for esophageal cancer in order to determine the extent of lymph node metastasis. Professor Sato has undertaken, at the request of the TNM Research Committee of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus, to map out and classify the lymph nodes of the mediastinum and neck. The beautiful artwork in the Color Atlas of Surgical Anatomy for Esophageal Cancer edited by Professor Sato gives an excellent understanding of the lymph node pathways and their importance in surgical treatment. Minute dissections which represent real life situations, not just the superficial pathways, show the precise location and topographical arrangement of the lymphatics. Full-color schematics are given with the actual dissection illustrations and photographs. The atlas clearly presents the classification of four significant pathways and their communication, the relationship of these pathways en route to the venous angles and the definition and assessment of the most critical nodes. Thoracic surgeons especially will benefit from the excellent illustrations of surgical techniques and the methods for recording the dissected lymph nodes which are presented by Professor Kakegawa. Leading experts fighting esophageal cancer with surgical treatment can use the classification in this outstanding atlas for many years to come as a standard for international comparison. The careful dissection of the lymph nodes may be the best way to improve survival rates after surgery for cancer of the thoracic esophagus.

If you want practical information on how to use this book please refer to "Note to the Readers" p. VII. Histochemistry and cytochemistry are essential tools in biomedical research and routine service laboratories. Most texts on histochemistry fall into one of two categories: 1. Encyclopaedic texts covering all or nearly all information available on the whole or selected parts of histochemistry. 2. Reviews or surveys of methods found to be useful by the author(s). While the former category often appeals to the more philosophically inclined reader, direct guidance on the selection of technique may be difficult to find. In contrast, the latter category are often excellent sources for details on how to perform a particular method with a reasonable chance of success. Consideration of the exact mechanism of staining, of possible reasons for failure, and of alternative techniques are, however, frequently lacking. This book is an introduction to the scientific basis of histochemistry and is intended to provide a background for the selection and development of appro priate methods. It is not a "cook book" and readers expecting exhaustive methodological descriptions will be disappointed. Although most ofthe contributors to this book would not describe themselves as histochemists, they have all at some time found it essential to develop a basic understanding of histochemistry. This book contains the information they would have greatly appreciated ready access to at that time."

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."

Life is always intimately bound up with structure and with the continuous transformation which structures undergo. Modern science and technology have now made it possible to display these structures before our eyes, right up to the frontiers of molecular dimensions. When several years ago Dr. HANS LUDWIG, while working at the First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University at Munich, demonstrated to us some micrographs showing the human oviduct's surface pattern, my immediate reaction was: This is the environment that encom passes the very onset of an individual human life. In fact, scanning electron microscopy, superimposed upon classical micro morphology, has enabled us to get insight into the landscape of living structures, their intricate organization and their delicate beauty as well. At the same time this technique opens up an entirely new perspective in our three-dimensional view and comprehension of biological events. This becomes especially evident in the realm of reproductive processes within the human female reproductive tract. In this volume the authors give - for the first time systematically - a description of the surface patterns of the inside of the human vagina, ecto and endocervix, and the human uterus and oviduct; they depict ovulatory alterations of the ovarian surface and surface changes under various endo crine conditions, as well as in relation to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, fetal growth, and the menopausal cessation of ovarian functional activity. of the placental intervillum, the In addition they describe surface structures basal plate and the amnion."

This volume contains the Proceedings of the Serono Symposium on Pre implantation Embryo Development, held in Newton, Massachusetts, in 1991. The idea for the symposium grew out of the 1989 Serono Symposium on Fertilization in Mammals* at which preimplantation development was the predominant suggestion for a follow-up topic. This was indeed a timely subject in view of the recent resurgence of interest in this funda mental phase of embryogenesis and its relevance to basic research and applied fertility studies in humans, food-producing animals, and endangered species. The symposium brought together speakers from a broad range of disciplines in order to focus on key regulatory mechanisms in embryo development, using a wide variety of animal models, and on representative topics in human preimplantation embryogenesis. The culmination of preimplantation development is a blastocyst con taining the first differentiated embryonic tissues and capable of initiating and sustaining pregnancy. The central objective of the symposium was to throw light on the regulation of cellular and molecular events underlying blastocyst formation. It was particularly appropriate that the date of the symposium marked the 20th anniversary of the publication of the classic volume Biology of the Blastocyst, the proceedings of an international workshop held in 1970. This book, which summarized most of the information then available on this topic in mammals, was edited by the pioneer in blastocyst research, Dr. Richard B1andau, who was the guest speaker at the symposium."