The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has a well-documented pivotal role in the control of mammalian reproductive functions, by acting at multiple levels, that is, central (CNS) and local (gonads) levels. Since studies performed in animal models other than mammals might provide further insight into the biology of these signalling molecules, in the present paper we review the comparative data pointin...

The neuroendocrine mechanism regulates reproduction through the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis which is evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates. The HPG axis is regulated by a variety of internal as well as external factors. Serotonin, a monoamine neurotransmitter, is involved in a wide range of reproductive functions. In mammals, serotonin regulates sexual behaviors, gonadotropin rel...

Dietary habits in young women determine their individual quality of life (QOL) in not only the present life style but also subsequent middle or old age and should be evaluated from the perspective of total benefit throughout the entire life [1,2]. One of the most common nutritional issues among young women is poor energy intake and/or inappropriate food selection due to dietary limitations for ...

The present study investigated the effects and potential mechanism(s) of action of icariin on the reproductive functions of male rats. Adult rats were treated orally with icariin at doses of 0 (control), 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg body weight for 35 consecutive days. The results show that icariin had virtually no effect on the body weight or organ coefficients of the testes or epididymides. However,...

Approximately 11,000 adults in the age group 15–40 years are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK. Although treatment and, where possible, cure are of paramount importance, the psychological effects of subsequent impairment of fertility or reproductive function, if this occurs, should not be underestimated. Remarkable advances have occurred in the management of cancer in the last 20 years ...

The unequivocal role of progesterone in a variety of events like ovulation, mammary gland development, establishment and maintenance of pregnancy etc are well established. Also the data are accumulating on its role in male reproductive events. In vertebrates and humans, the biological activity of progesterone is mediated by two progesterone receptor proteins PR-A and PR-B, that arise from the s...

The physiological processes that underlie the reproductive cycle impose considerable metabolisable protein (MP) demands on a female, especially during the periparturient period. When MP supply falls short of MP demand (i.e. MP becomes scarce), certain, if not all, bodily functions are expected to be penalised. It has been proposed that partitioning of scarce MP is prioritised to reproductive ra...

Estrogens influence fertility and infertility in animals. This chapter reviews the use of estrogen as a contraceptive through the regulation of its production and action. It is concluded that the use of specific agonists and antagonists of estrogen action that avoid the global and unwanted side effects of estrogen offers new potential methods of contraception.

This brief review will summarize evidence that growth hormone (GH) plays a physiological role in the control of male reproductive development and function, while excessive release of GH can interfere with male sexual behavior and fertility. An attempt will also be made to put this information in the broader context of interactions between the somatotropic and the hypothalamic-pituitarytesticula...