Roles of Gonadal Peptides on Female Reproduction:

Molecular Dynamics of Activins/Inhibins

 

 

 

The formation of a mature oocyte (egg) in vertebrate is regulated by :

 

- endocrine hormones

- such as the pituitary gonadotropins,

- and locally modulated by steroids and other factors. 

 

 

 

 

The molecular nature of these factors is only now being elucidated.

 

Gonadal peptides such as

- inhibin and activin are currently being recognized not only

- as regulators of the pituitary gonadotropins secretion, but also

- as multifunctional modulators in the ovary and

- in the utero-placental unit.

 

 

 

In addition to their normal reproductive roles,

 

- inhibins and activins have been implicated

- in gonadal oncogenesis and

 - pathologies of the reproductive system.

 

 

 

The research on the roles of gonadal peptides

- on oocyte maturation will furnish

- critically needed information about the molecular dynamics and

- actions of the inhibin/activin in the ovary.

 

 

 

 

Understanding the physiology of inhibins and activins and

- the interplay of major endocrine and

- paracrine mechanisms involved

 

- in the ovary is essential to decipher the process of

- gonadal differentiation

- in both normal and disease conditions, and may

 

 

- ultimately help in the diagnosis and

- treatment of reproductive dysfunction in humans.

 

 

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