Reproduction

Abstract

1 The survey of literature pertaining to this review was concluded in June 1961. 2 Among the abbreviations used in this chapter are: FSH (follicle-stimulating hor mone); HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin); LH (luteinizing hormone); and PMS (pregnant mare's serum). 57 Annu. Rev. Physiol. 1962.24:57-84. Downloaded from www.annualreviews.org Access provided by Yale University -Law Library on 02/03/15. For personal use only. Quick links to online content Further ANNUAL REVIEWS Annu. Rev. Physiol. 1962.24:57-84. Downloaded from www.annualreviews.org Access provided by Yale University -Law Library on 02/03/15. For personal use only. Annu. Rev. Physiol. 1962.24:57-84. Downloaded from www.annualreviews.org Access provided by Yale University -Law Library on 02/03/15. For personal use only. Annu. Rev. Physiol. 1962.24:57-84. Downloaded from www.annualreviews.org Access provided by Yale University -Law Library on 02/03/15. For personal use only.

Effects of Estradiol on Pituitary-Adrenal Function in Male and Female Rats1

“…Pincus (24) has suggested that the alterations in adrenal function in rats given estradiol may be related to observations on the effects of estrogens in man. Estrogen administration in human subjects produces increased binding of adrenal steroids to plasma proteins, resulting in prolonged clearance and higher plasma steroid concentrations.…”

Steroid Receptors in the Uterus and Ovary

“…482,483 In contrast, the significance of estrogen signaling within the ovary is not well understood due to the inherent difficulties associated with the study of a particular hormone's action within the very tissue from which it is synthesized and secreted. Past in vivo investigations employing ER antagonists [217][218][219]484 or aromatase inhibitors [484][485][486] to inhibit hormone receptor actions within the ovary have provided informative but often equivocal findings 217-219 due to the following limitations: (1) the enormous levels of endogenous E2 in the ovary are difficult to overcome by pharmacological administration of a receptor antagonist, (2) the enormous levels of aromatase activity in the ovary are difficult to overcome by pharmacological administration of an enzyme inhibitor, (3) the effects of a pharmacological ER antagonist due to actions directly in the ovary versus actions in the hypothalamus or pituitary are difficult to discern, (4) the well-characterized agonists (e.g., E2 and DES) comparably activate both ERα and ERβ, (5) early antagonists were not selective for the two known ERs, and (6) the two ERs may respond differently to agonist or antagonist ligands.…”

The mutual dependence between bone and gonads

“…The sex steroid hormones estrogen and androgen have central roles in the control of sexual maturity and reproduction (Pincus 1962). In addition to their reproductive functions, sex steroid hormones are essential for skeletal development and the maintenance of bone health throughout adult life (Riggs et al 2002, Vanderschueren et al 2004, Vandenput & Ohlsson 2009).…”