Investigations into the mechanisms of spennatogenesis, sperm matura­ tion and fertilization provide the basis of our understanding of male re­ productive physiology. Since in recent years molecular and cellular en­ docrinology has provided particularly important contributions to our knowledge, the European Workshops on Molecular and Celluar Endo­ crinology of the Testis, held regularly during even years since 1980, have become a prominent forum for researchers in the field to discuss recent findings and exchange new ideas. The most recent of these Testis Workshops, the 7th, was held on May 5 - 10, 1992 at Castle Elmau in the Bavarian Alps. The main lectures of this Workshops form the core of this book. In order to provide a broader view of the current status of male re­ production research, this volume also contains the proceedings of the Schering Foundation Workshop on "Basic Mechanisms of Reproduc­ tion and Male Fertility Control" which was held in Berlin on October 31 to November 2, 1991. The topics of the two meetings were planned to complement each other. By combining the proceedings of both workshops, it became possible to produce a book that covers a wide spectrum of current highlights in male reproduction research and pro­ vides the reader with an up-to-date review of the field. The timeliness of the book is emphasized by the fact that it was al­ ready available when the 7th European Testis Workshop took place.

Inhalt

Cell Surface Actions of Steroids: A Complementary Mechanism for Regulation of Spermatogenesis?.- The Structure-Activity Relationships of the Luteinizing Hormone-Receptor.- Development of Antagonists and Agonists of Follicle Stimulating Hormone.- The Dialogue Between Late Spermatids and Sertoli Cells in Vertebrates: A Century of Research.- Structure and Function of the Human Androgen Receptor.- Androgens and the Brain: Role of Testosterone Metabolism.- The Ovarian and Testicular IGF-I System: A Comparative Analysis.- Inhibin, Activin and Growth Factors: Paracrine Regulators of Testicular Function.- Expression of Proto-Oncogenes and Protein Kinases in the Testis.- Y-Chromosome Function in Spermatogenesis.- Spatial and Quantitative Aspects of Spermatogenetic Tissue in Primates.- Epididymal Proteins and Sperm Maturation.- Physiology and Pathophysiology of Electrolyte Transport in the Epididymis.- Regulation of Mammalian Fertilization by Gamete Adhesion Molecules.- Sperm Interaction with the Zona Pellucida: Role of a Tyrosine Kinase Receptor for ZP3 in Fertilization.- Characterization of Inhibitory and Stimulatory Effects of Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins on the Proacrosin/Acrosin System.- Carbohydrate-Binding Proteins Involved in Gamete Interaction in the Pig.- The Epididymis as a Site of Contraceptive Attack.- Risks and Benefits of Immunological Contraception.- Hormonal Male Contraception: A Real Chance?.