With the advent of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, our understanding of the reproductive system in both men and women has progressed in an exponential manner. Along with this increase in knowledge has emerged new and advanced laboratories performing unique techniques aimed at diagnosing and treating infertility problems. And as these laboratories expand, the need for properly trained technicians has also emerged. But while many ART labs are staffed with biologists well trained in reproductive research techniques, they lack the necessary skills to effectively manage these labs. The Handbook of the Assisted Reproduction Laboratory addresses many of the management issues and basic background information on reproductive biology and medicine needed by the technicians staffing and directing these ART labs. Internationally recognized experts in the field discuss various topics in this handbook, which: Reviews male and female reproductive systems and processes Discusses the clinical diagnosis and management of male and female infertility Provides new information on the state-of-the-art techniques of egg and embryo culture, micromanipulation, and biopsy Presents various aspects of quality control, quality assurance, and clinical laboratory management With its in-depth analysis of management issues, as well as basic background information on reproductive biology and medicine, the Handbook of the Assisted Reproduction Laboratory serves as an ideal guide for current investigation and as a stimulus for future developments in the field.

Current knowledge concerning both morphological and functional cryptorchid-related alterations in the various testicular compartments is summarized in this valuable new publication. Damage to the germinal epithelium and resulting infertility in both humans and experimental animals as well as the degree of damage to the different stages of germ cell development is discussed. In addition, information concerning hormonal therapy and orchidopexy to reverse cryptorchid-related damage is provided. Morphological alterations in Sertoli and Leydig cells is discussed in terms of cellular hypertrophy and hyperplasia, alterations in organelle number and characteristics as well as changes in cell-cell junctional complexes. Changes in Sertoli cell and Leydig cell function, including gonadotropin binding, steroidogenesis and other metabolic alterations is also outlined, as well as the influence of altered testicular function on subsequent hypothalamic-pituitary changes. Vascular disruption, the potential role of paracrine substances and direct thermal damage, all of which may be responsible for the resulting detrimental changes in one or more testicular compartments, are considered.

With the advent of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, our understanding of the reproductive system in both men and women has progressed in an exponential manner. Along with this increase in knowledge has emerged new and advanced laboratories performing unique techniques aimed at diagnosing and treating infertility problems. And as these laboratories expand, the need for properly trained technicians has also emerged. But while many ART labs are staffed with biologists well trained in reproductive research techniques, they lack the necessary skills to effectively manage these labs. The Handbook of the Assisted Reproduction Laboratory addresses many of the management issues and basic background information on reproductive biology and medicine needed by the technicians staffing and directing these ART labs. Internationally recognized experts in the field discuss various topics in this handbook, which: oReviews male and female reproductive systems and processes oDiscusses the clinical diagnosis and management of male and female infertility oProvides new information on the state-of-the-art techniques of egg and embryo culture, micromanipulation, and biopsy oPresents various aspects of quality control, quality assurance, and clinical laboratory management With its in-depth analysis of management issues, as well as basic background information on reproductive biology and medicine, the Handbook of the Assisted Reproduction Laboratory serves as an ideal guide for current investigation and as a stimulus for future developments in the field.

Current knowledge concerning both morphological and functional cryptorchid-related alterations in the various testicular compartments is summarized in this valuable new publication. Damage to the germinal epithelium and resulting infertility in both humans and experimental animals as well as the degree of damage to the different stages of germ cell development is discussed. In addition, information concerning hormonal therapy and orchidopexy to reverse cryptorchid-related damage is provided. Morphological alterations in Sertoli and Leydig cells is discussed in terms of cellular hypertrophy and hyperplasia, alterations in organelle number and characteristics as well as changes in cell-cell junctional complexes. Changes in Sertoli cell and Leydig cell function, including gonadotropin binding, steroidogenesis and other metabolic alterations is also outlined,as well as the influence of altered testicular function on subsequent hypothalamic-pituitary changes. Vascular disruption, the potential role of paracrine substances and direct thermal damage, all of which may be responsible for the resulting detrimental changes in one or more testicular compartments, are considered.