Progesterone, the hormone "pro gestationem," plays a pivotal role in mammalian reproduction during almost all phases of the menstrual cyc1e and all stages of pregnancy. It is involved in the control of ovula tion, prepares the endometrium for implantation, and, in later stages of pregnancy, is responsible for its maintenance by suppressing uterine contractility. The sudden withdrawal of progesterone action at the end of the nonfertile cycle leads to the constriction of spiral arteries and, in . turn, to menstruation in human beings and non human primates. The decrease in serum progesterone...

The European Workshops on Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology of the Testis have become by now a well-established tradition. Thanks to their special format, the quality of the main lectures and miniposters, and the vivid discussions, they enjoy the ever-increasing interest and active participation of all European scientists working in the field. Moreover, since the very beginning they have attracted investigators from all over the world. The most recent "Testis Workshop" was held in De Panne, Belgium, from 27-3 March, 1994. As always, the frame work of the workshop was provided by a series...

In this book emerging questions of current glutamate research are addressed and new pathways which glutamte research may take in the future discussed. Since glutamate antagonists are still the major hope for the therapy of neurodegenerative disorders in humans, research activities dedicated towards the development of such novel drugs are the focus of public attention. The book comments on the most recent discoveries in the field of neuroprotection and neurodegeneration.

Bioinformatics is emerging as a field with ever-increasing promise, ur gency, and necessity. All three of these facets can be seen in the con text of the recent sequencing of the human genome. The creation of a novel algorithm for the assembly of whole genome shotgun data sets accelerated the project and resulted in its near completion in 2001. The urgency became apparent with the landslide of data that ensued and the realization that current databases and tool sets are not up to the task. Finally, the necessity of bioinformatics as a facet of molecular biologi cal research becomes evident in...

As dogmas in stem cell research are losing their impact and recent findings regarding the use and cultivation of stem cells and tissue transplantation have opened up new therapeutic avenues, this Ernst Schering Research Foundation Workshop was initiated to highlight current and future approaches in this field. The only stem cells that have been used clinically for a long time is the hematopoietic stem cell as a source for bone marrow transplantation. Recent findings now indicate that hematopoietic stem cells, under certain conditions, are able to differentiate into endothelial, neural or...

Since the first successful transfer of an in vitro fertilised human egg in 1976, modern endocrinology, genetics, and assisted reproductive technologies have opened new frontiers of research with the aim to treat infertile women. In this workshop we set out to promote an interdisciplinary discussion between experts from various fields of basic, company-based and clinical research related to folliculogenesis and oocyte development. The aim of this workshop was to present, discuss and assess novel approaches in mammalian folliculogenesis and oocyte development that may have an impact on...

Based on the international workshop on 'Small Molecule - Protein Interactions' held in Berlin, April 24-26, 2002, researchers from industry and academic laboratories describe novel and efficient ways selecting promising new drug targets and developing small molecule inhibitors against them. The structure of the book corresponds to the different aspects of the drug discovery process. All chapters are written by leading experts in the field, who present and discuss the most recent state-of-the-art tools and techniques for the development of novel drugs. The value of the book lies in surveying...

From our current knowledge, it is obvious that estrogen action in volves more than reproduction and fertility. Rather, estrogens affect and influence a number of other organ systems such as the immune, cardiovascular and central nervous system as well as the gastrointes tinal tract, urinary tract and skeleton. The importance of estrogens and estrogen receptor activity is appreciated from the spectrum of significant physiological dysfunctions that occur when there is a loss The participants of the workshop VI Preface of the hormone or the receptor activity. Loss of estrogen, however (for...

Because of the current progress in molecular medicine (genomics, proteomics), a plethora of new and often human-specific targets are being identified. These targets often play a significant role in the pathogenesis of diseases, and identifying them offers the potential for early diagnosis and intervention. An early in vivo validation of specific ligands binding to these targets in humans is needed to as sess their potential for targeted imaging and radiotherapy. Further- VI Preface more, such validation studies may allow for a better understanding of the molecular processes underlying...

Osteoporosis affects a growing number of the population. Current treatments are based on prevention of further bone loss after the condition is diagnosed, often because a fracture has occurred. Treatments in the future will aim at healing osteoporosis by improving bone mass and quality. This book describes novel discoveries and research which will allow bone to be restored after it has been lost.