Regulation of Mammalian Reproduction

Abstract

130 scientists met in a conference sponsored by the National Institutes of Health to review current research on the regulation of mammalian reproduction. Major topics were 1) how the pituitary function could be regulated 2) how sperm production might be regulated; 3) the process and possible points of intervention in sperm maturation and fertilization; 4) the biology of the ovum; 5) the mechanism of action by which gametes are transported in the Fallopian tubes; and 6) the effect of corpus luteum function. Among findings which appear promising are (1) data which suggests the administration of estrogens might induce ovulation at a time when the endometrium is not prepared for implantation; 2) sperm maturation in the epididymis seems to require a certain hormonal ambience which if changed could have a reversible anti-fertility effect; 3) the fallopian tubes may also require a certain hormonal environment for normal reproductive function and may be an end ocrine target for disrupting the reproductive function; 4) data from some species indicates there is a uterine luteolytic factor which could be developed for use in human fertility control.(AUTHORS MODIFIED)