Abstract The ovary is a dynamic organ that undergoes some of the most dramatic changes in structure and function of any adult human tissue. The follicles are the major endocrine…

Abstract Lipids serve as metabolic substrates, structural components of cellular membranes, and signaling molecules. The steroidogenic machinery is compartmentalized at the organ, cellular, and subcellular level. Steroidogenic cells do not…

Abstract The pattern of regular ovulatory cycles required for normal reproduction in women is achieved through precise functional and temporal integration of stimulatory and inhibitory signals from the hypothalamus, the…

Abstract The embryonic development and adult function of the mammalian reproductive tract is greatly influenced by multiple conserved growth factor signaling pathways. These include transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), wingless-type MMTV…

Abstract Steroid hormones are a group of hormones derived from cholesterol that act as chemical messengers in the body. The steroid hormones regulate many physiologic processes, including the development and…

Abstract Pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release from the hypothalamus governs pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which in turn regulate the production of gonadal sex steroids and gametes…

Abstract The primary biological function of the breast is to produce milk that provides both nutrition and immunoprotection for a newborn. The key hormones involved in breast growth, differentiation and…

Abstract The gonads (ovary, testis) produce gametes (oocytes and spermatozoa). The pituitary glycoprotein hormones luteinizing hormone (LH, lutropin) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH, follitropin) are gonadotropins because their targets are the…

Abstract Prolactin is a single chain polypeptide secreted by anterior pituitary lactotroph cells. Prolactin secretion is primarily under inhibitory control by hypothalamic dopamine. Prolactin levels rise substantially during pregnancy and…