The calcified tissues have fundamental functions in the biology of organisms, not only because their strength, solidity, and elasticity permit movement and mechanical activities, and protect soft tissues against traumatic forces, but also on account of their role in mineral homeostasis. For this reason, extensive investigation in the last 30 years has provided much to explain the complex chemical and physical processes occurring in cells and matrices composing the skeleton, and their alterations in pathological conditions. The use of ultrastructural methods such as immunocytochemistry,...

Extensive reviews have been published on the mor- aspects, anatomy, ultrastructure, physiology, bio- phology, anatomy, and physiology of the mam- chemistry, endocrinology, pharmacology, and physiopathology of the mammalian ovary. The malian ovary. However, little attention has been given to the gaps between the physiological, endo- contributors, who prepared their chapters metic- ulously, are recognized experts in their respective crine and histochemical parameters of the ovary as disciplines and their writings reflect extensive per- it relates to clinical aspects. There is a wealth of sonal...

When established four years ago, the scope of this international series in electron microscopy essentially was to provide an opportunity for the pUblication of selected review contributions by specialists in ultrastructural research. Previous volumes presented over the last three years have focused on special topics of present interest in 'ontemporary biomedicine such as endocrine cells, reproduction, and connective tissues. In these fielCls, in fact, integrated methods of electron microscopy have contributed much to generate new ideas and concepts of general value in both basic and clinical...

In the last few years, the adoption and worldwide proliferation of clinical procedures for medically assisted conception have been associated with the examination and analysis of spermatozoa, oocytes and early embryos under a variety of in vivo and in vitro conditions. These analyses have enabled correlations to be made between the behavior of gametes, the pattern of early embryonic development and the initiation of a normal pregnancy. Collectively, the findings have not only enormously increased our understanding of the process of early human development, but also have provided new insights...

This unique volume may very well foreshadow the treatment of renal disease in the twenty-first century. The editors have obviously compiled and reviewed the current clinical problems in which the kidney plays a major role. They then selected as topics for chapters those in which recent scientific investigations have added significant new data. The investigators themselves or their peers have been persuaded to produce a summary of current concepts of renal structure and function for each topic. The result is a volume which will be as invaluable as a clinical guide on the laboratory bench as it...

In the last few years, the adoption and worldwide proliferation of clinical procedures for medically assisted conception have been associated with the examination and analysis of spermatozoa, oocytes and early embryos under a variety of in vivo and in vitro conditions. These analyses have enabled correlations to be made between the behavior of gametes, the pattern of early embryonic development and the initiation of a normal pregnancy. Collectively, the findings have not only enormously increased our understanding of the process of early human development, but also have provided new insights...

Recent advances in electron microscopy have opened up new dimensions and perspectives in the field of morphology, and these are presently being integrated with biochemical and physiopathological phenomena occurring in cells, tissues, and organs. Methods such as freeze-fracture, freeze-etching, scanning, and high-voltage electron microscopy have contributed immensely to this progress, as well as to the study of smooth muscle tissue and contractile cells in general. The articles composing this book have been selected and edited with the purpose of updating and reviewing the most important...

This volume, the sixth of the series, represents the natural counterpart of the previous volume, Ultra structure of the Digestive Tract. Unlike the latter, however, whose contents fell entirely within the domains of gastroenterology, Ultrastructure of the Extraparietal Glands of the Digestive Tract encom passes a few cognate sciences, such as hepatology, pancreatology, and even oral biology, which are usually dealt with separately. This allows, starting from cell biology, embryology, and comparative anatomy, a comprehensive survey of organs that have much in common both structurally and...

Innovative microscopic techniques, introduced during the last two decades, have contributed much to creating a new picture of the dynamic architecture of the cell, which can now be more exactly correlated with specific biochemical and physiopathological events. These developments have led to significant advances in our understanding of the physiomorphological and pathological aspects of the secretory mechanism, as well as the pharmacologic methods used to control, experimentally, the function of exocrine and endocrine glands. The integration of new ultrastructural methods such as...