Physiology and Toxicology of Male Reproduction

Physiology and Toxicology of Male Reproduction is a collection of papers that deals with general reproductive biology and specific aspects of reproductive toxicology, pertaining to the male sex. Some papers discuss testicular organization, reproductive toxicity testing systems, and germ-cell genetic toxicology. The use of in vitro systems by investigators to dissect the male reproductive toxicants can lead to a more scientific approach toward hazard assessment and the development of safer drugs and chemicals. Other papers explain the fundamental reproductive biology of the testis, the neuroendocrine system, the epididymis and accessory sex organs, and spermatozoal evaluation. Toxicological aspects cover the toxicological evaluation of the complete reproductive system, testicular morphology, sperm assessment, and germ-cell mutagenesis. One paper describes alternative methods in toxicology-by using new in vitro systems that should reduce or eliminate the need for tests conducted on animals. In vitro methodology embraces other systems such as from subcellular fractions to isolated intact organs. In relation to target-organ toxicity, the researcher can focus using primary cell cultures. This collection will prove helpful to toxicologists, graduate students and researchers in biology, particularly in male reproductive toxicology and fertility testing.

ContributorsPrefaceChapter 1 IntroductionChapter 2 Testicular Organization and Biochemical Function I. Introduction II. Testicular Compartments III. Spermatogenesis IV. The Key Role of the Sertoli Cell V. The Leydig Cell VI. Future Perspectives and Research ReferencesChapter 3 Duct System and Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive Tract I. Introduction II. Development of Reproductive Tract and Accessory Organs III. Structure and Function of Duct System IV. Structure and Function of Accessory Glands V. Seminal Plasma VI. Conclusions ReferencesChapter 4 Endocrinology and Paracrinology of the Testis I. Introduction II. Endocrine Control of the Testis III. Paracrine Control of the Testis IV. Endocrinology of Puberty V. Endocrinology of Male Infertility VI. Summary and Future Prospects ReferencesChapter 5 Male Neuroendocrinology and Endocrine Evaluation of Reproductive Disorders I. Introduction II. Brain Control of Reproductive Functions: The Role of Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone III. Pituitary Factors Regulating Testicular Function IV. Reproductive Dysfunction and Guidelines for Endocrine Exploration of the Infertile Male ReferencesChapter 6 Fundamentals of Male Reproductive Toxicity Testing I. General Approaches to Male Reproductive Toxicity Testing II. Risk Assessment and Male Reproductive Toxicology ReferencesChapter 7 Morphologic Evaluation of Seminiferous Epithelium of the Testis I. Why Morphology? II. Considerations and Methods III. Media Effects and Glycol Methacrylate IV. Examples of Stage-Specific Lesions V. Functional Correlates of Pathology VI. Summary ReferencesChapter 8 Evaluation of Copulatory Behavior and Sperm in Rats: Role in Reproductive Risk Assessment I. Introduction II. Traditional Endpoints in Male Reproductive Risk Assessment III. Expanding the Data Base-Evaluation of Copulatory Behavior IV. Expanding the Data Base-Sperm Evaluations in the Rat V. New Approaches to Improving Quantitative Male Reproductive Risk Assessment ReferencesChapter 9 Genetic Toxicology of Mammalian Male Germ Cells I. Introduction II. Test Methods BibliographyChapter 10 Application of In Vitro Systems in Male Reproductive Toxicology I. Introduction II. In Vitro Systems from the Male Reproductive Tract III. Methodology for Cell Isolation IV. Application of In Vitro Systems in Toxicity Studies V. Critical Appraisal of the Usefulness of In Vitro Systems VI. Conclusions ReferencesIndex