Due to the introduction of molecular and cellular biology approaches, our understanding of ovarian physiology has reached a new level during the last few years. The present volume provides a new perspective on the ovary from molecular and cellular to whole organ levels, from non-mammalian and rodent to human levels and from paracrine, neuroendocrine and endocrine levels as well. These papers represent the proceedings of the Ninth Ovarian Workshop sponsored by Serono Symposia, USA, July 9-11, 1992 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

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1. Apoptosis: Signal Transduction and Modes of Activation.- I. Oocyte and Cell Cycle.- 2. Role of c-kit and Its Ligand in Oocyte Growth.- 3. Proteoglycan and Hyaluronic Acid Synthesis by Granulosa Cells: Regulation by an Oocyte Factor and Gonadotropins.- 4. Developmental Genetics of the Zona Pellucida.- 5. Toward an Understanding of the Eukaryotic Cell Cycle: A Biochemical Approach.- 6. Hormonal Control of Cell-Cycle Checkpoints in Mammalian Oocytes.- II. Gonadotropin Receptor and Control Mechanisms.- 7. Structure and Regulation of the LH Receptor Gene and Its Transcripts.- 8. Regulation of Expression of the FSH Receptor.- 9. Mouse Ovarian Prolactin Receptors.- 10. Molecular Regulation of Genes Involved in Ovulation and Luteinization.- 11. Dynamics of Human Follicle Development.- III. Intraovarian Regulatory Systems.- 12. Structural and Functional Studies of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins in the Ovary.- 13. Luteotropic and Luteolytic Effects of Peptides in the Porcine and Human Corpus Luteum.- 14. A Role for Neurotrophic Factors in Ovarian Development.- Author Index.