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 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…
NORMAL GROWTH Print Section Listen Growth is a dynamic process influenced by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors that interplay to determine not only ultimate attained height but also the tempo…
OVERVIEW Print Section Listen Disorders of adrenal function occur at all ages and may be an isolated problem or one of multiple organs involved in certain syndromes. Principles that are…
PHYSIOLOGY Print Section Listen Introduction The last two decades have seen great progress in our knowledge of the genetic and biochemical control of mineral metabolism. Moreover, our understanding of vitamin…
