It is now well recognized that the gestational environment can have long-lasting effects not only on the life span and health span of an individual but also, through potential epigenetic changes, on future generations. This article reviews the "prenatal programming" of the neuroendocrine systems that regulate reproduction, with a specific focus on the lessons learned using ovine models. The rev...

Producers have the possibility to combat human-induced dryland salinity by planting salt-tolerant plants such as saltbush. Saltbush has the potential to be used as a source of food for livestock at a time and place where pasture is not viable. However, saltbush contains high concentrations of sodium chloride salt and some other anti-nutritional factors that have the potential to affect feed and...

The mechanisms and physiology of reproductive function have fascinated scientists throughout time. Recent cellular and molecular level structural studies have provided unprecedented insights into reproductive systems and signaling networks. This ‘cutting edge’ editorial provides a recent example in each of these areas, namely, the anatomical integrity of the follicle, the molecular structure of...

The mechanisms and physiology of reproductive function have fascinated scientists throughout time. Recent cellular and molecular level structural studies have provided unprecedented insights into reproductive systems and signaling networks. This 'cutting edge' editorial provides a recent example in each of these areas, namely, the anatomical integrity of the follicle, the molecular structure of...

Seventeen female patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation between June 1973 and June 1987 became pregnant 5 months to 11 years after transplantation. Immunosuppression was maintained with combinations of prednisone, cycloeporine, and azathioprine prior to and during pregnancy. One patient discontinued immunosuppression after knowledge of pregnancy, taking only azathioprine sporad...

Appropriate regulation of reproductive processes are dependent upon the integrity of pituitary function. In this selected review, we evaluate the evidence that certain environmental compounds exert their effect on reproductive function via a direct action on the pituitary gland. We also discuss examples of changes in pituitary hormone secretion that occur in response to changes in neuronal or g...

abstract background: the aim of this study was to compare the effects of the second- and third-generation oral contraceptives on women’s reproductive sexual function. materials and methods: this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 82 married women of reproductive age in tehran. samples were randomized into the groups receiving second- and third-generatio...

Studies across multiple organisms reveal considerable phenotypic variation in reproductive tactics. In some species, this variation is associated with maternal effects in which variation in maternal investment results in stable individual differences in reproductive function. Recent studies with the rat suggest that maternal effects can alter the function of neuroendocrine systems associated wi...

The rising human population, particularly in the developing countries, and the attendant socioeconomic effects necessitates the need for its effective regulation. This study aims at exploring the contraceptive efficacy of the fruit extract of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A Rich, a plant with wide ethnomedicinal, pharmacological and social values, in combating this public health challenge. Forty e...