Recent advances in molecular biology have provided new dimensions in the study of the reproductive system. There has been major progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of hormone action in the past few' years. The symposium on "Molecular Basis of Reproductive Endocrinology" was organized to highlight new research findings on the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The emphasis of the symposium was on physiological questions answered by the molecular biology approach. Studies on the functional relevance of gonadotropin releasing hormone and LH and FSH gene expression were presented, together with research on the molecular biology of ovarian and testicular steroidogenic enzymes and protein hormones. Also, several novel aspects of hormone gene expression in placental tissues were reviewed. The symposium was held July 25 to 26, 1991, immediately prior to the 24th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, on the campus of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Serono Symposia, USA generously financed and coordinated the meeting. We are indebted to Dr. Bruce K. Burnett and Dr. L. Lisa Kern for their professional assistance in the organization of the symposium. We would also like to thank Drs. Victor Gomel, Basil Ho Yuen, and John Challis, who served as session moderators. Most of all, we truly appreciate the efforts of all the invited speakers, poster presenters, and discussants in making this a memorable event as the largest one-day meeting of the Serono Symposia USA, series.

The Ovary, Third Edition, includes more than 60% new material that highlights the clinical aspects of human ovarian functions. It covers advances in the areas of genomics, assisted reproductive technology, and cancer diagnosis and treatment. This updated edition synthesizes new information at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels, while also presenting modern ovarian physiology in a more understandable and comparative context. The book looks at ovarian function from a detailed molecular and cellular level that examines all phases of the ovarian lifecycle that places special emphasis on the pathophysiology of the human ovary, including ovarian carcinogenesis.

Human Reproductive and Prenatal Genetics presents the latest material from a detailed molecular, cellular and translational perspective. Considering its timeliness and potential international impact, this all-inclusive and authoritative work is ideal for researchers, students, and clinicians worldwide. Currently, there are no comprehensive books covering the field of human reproductive and prenatal genetics. As such, this book aims to be among the largest and most useful references available. Named a Highly Commended book in the Basic and Clinical Sciences by the British Medical Association.

Human Reproductive and Prenatal Genetics, Second Edition provides application-driven coverage of key topics in human reproductive and prenatal genetics, including genetic control underlying the development of the reproductive tracts and gametogenesis, the genetics of fertilization and implantation, the genetic basis of female and male infertility, as well as genetic and epigenetic aspects of assisted reproduction. Also examined are the genetics and epigenetics of the placenta in normal and abnormal pregnancy, preimplantation genetic diagnosis and screening, and cutting-edge advances in noninvasive prenatal screening, prenatal genetic counseling, and bioethical and medicolegal aspects of relevance in the lab and clinic. This new edition has been fully revised to address new and evolving technologies in human reproductive genetics, with new chapters added on chromatin landscapes and sex determination, genetic alterations of placental development and preeclampsia, metabolism and inflammation in PCOS, pre-implantational genetic testing, maternal genetic disorders, bioethics, and future applications.