List of Contributors xviii An Aging Humankind: New Realities E. Dicgalusy Does Menopause Increase the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease? M.V. Huisrnan Chronic Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis in Normal Adult Humans: Pathophysiology and Consequences L. Frassetto, R.C. Morris, Jr., K. Todd, and A. Sebastian The Menopause, Sex Hormones, and Rheumatic Disease G. Hall Novel Mechanisms of Estrogen Action J.-A. Gustafsson The Action of Ovarian Steroid Hormones on Tissues and Organs M.J. Legato Nongenomic Mechanisms of Sex Hormones J.H.H. Thijssen Action of Specific Estrogens on Vascular Cells C.S. Wingrove and J.C. Stevenson Direct Actions of Estrogen on Vascular Cells Ameliorates Response to hjury D. W. Losordo ix Newer Progestogens G. Samsioe IV. 11. Cardiovascular Disease: Risk Factors Related to Thrombosis G. de Gaetano, M.B. Donati, and L. Iacoviello Estrogen Effect upon Coronary Vasculature G.M.C. Rosano, F. Leonardo, and G. Panina Estrogen and Endothelial Function A. Virdis, L. Ghiadoni, I. Sudano, S. Pinto, S. Taddei, and A. Salvetti Action of Specific Estrogens on the Coronary Artery: Effects on Lipoproteins, Coagulation, and Fibrinolysis J.M. Sullivan Coronary Heart Disease in Women: Status 1998 N. K. Wenger Introduction to Osteoporosis C. Christiansen Genetics of Osteoporosis L. Masi, L. Gennari, A. Falchetti, and M.L. Brandi The Clinical Management of Osteoporosis S.E. Papapou los VI.

List of Contributors xviii An Aging Humankind: New Realities E. Dicgalusy Does Menopause Increase the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease? M.V. Huisrnan Chronic Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis in Normal Adult Humans: Pathophysiology and Consequences L. Frassetto, R.C. Morris, Jr., K. Todd, and A. Sebastian The Menopause, Sex Hormones, and Rheumatic Disease G. Hall Novel Mechanisms of Estrogen Action J.-A. Gustafsson The Action of Ovarian Steroid Hormones on Tissues and Organs M.J. Legato Nongenomic Mechanisms of Sex Hormones J.H.H. Thijssen Action of Specific Estrogens on Vascular Cells C.S. Wingrove and J.C. Stevenson Direct Actions of Estrogen on Vascular Cells Ameliorates Response to hjury D. W. Losordo ix Newer Progestogens G. Samsioe IV. 11. Cardiovascular Disease: Risk Factors Related to Thrombosis G. de Gaetano, M.B. Donati, and L. Iacoviello Estrogen Effect upon Coronary Vasculature G.M.C. Rosano, F. Leonardo, and G. Panina Estrogen and Endothelial Function A. Virdis, L. Ghiadoni, I. Sudano, S. Pinto, S. Taddei, and A. Salvetti Action of Specific Estrogens on the Coronary Artery: Effects on Lipoproteins, Coagulation, and Fibrinolysis J.M. Sullivan Coronary Heart Disease in Women: Status 1998 N. K. Wenger Introduction to Osteoporosis C. Christiansen Genetics of Osteoporosis L. Masi, L. Gennari, A. Falchetti, and M.L. Brandi The Clinical Management of Osteoporosis S.E. Papapou los VI.

Despite its universality in human female aging, the menopause and its biology are not completely understood. New biologic mechanisms by which sex hormones may be detrimental or confer protection are continually being discovered. We are now starting to understand that the role of the estrogen receptor is not identical in all tissues. Important nongenomic effects for sex hormones have also been described. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has produced effects on health risks: some are reduced, some are increased, and the rest remain uncertain. HRT is being used by an increasing number of women to alleviate climacteric symptoms in the perimenopausal period and to prevent osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease later. Positive effects on Alzheimer's disease and dementia on the one hand, and an increase in venous thrombosis on the other, are currently being reported by several groups. Both the preventive benefits and the risk of breast cancer seem to be linked to long-term and current use. HRT requires further testing through specific clinical trials, currently underway in the United States, before confident recommendations may be made about the full range of benefits and risks.

The suggestion of Max Knoll that an electron fascinated by the numerous SEM photographs, the wealth of information and the enthusiasm of the microscope could be developed using a fine scanning researchers covering a variety of disciplines. All aspects beam of electrons on a specimen surface and recording the emitted current as a function of the position of the of the female and male genital tract have been covered, beam was launched in 1935. Since then several culminating in the prizewinning award showing the in investigators and clinicians have used this concept to vitro fertilized human egg. develop techniques now known as scanning electron In clinical diagnostics SEM also proved to be a microscopy (SEM) and scanning transmission electron valuable complementary technique, shedding new light microscopy (STEM). The choice to study the female on oncology, the pathogenesis of tubal disease and the reproductive organs was a logical one because cells and maturation process of the placenta. Future research has tissue samples can be sampled relatively easily; still to be accomplished; e.g. quantification of SEM furthermore, these cells and organs are influenced photographs for meaningful and sound biological, continuously by the cyclic production of hormones. scientific and statistical evaluation in diagnostic This atlas demonstrates the state of the art in 1983. gynecology, obstetrics, andrology and oncology.