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Controlling reproduction
SCIENCE ELSEWIER
Animal Reproduction Science 39 (1995) 299-302
Book reviews
Controlling reproduction J.S.M. Hutchinson, Chapman & Hall, London, 1993, 23A, pp., E19.99, ISBN 0412-44310-4.
Controlling Reproduction,
This subject is one which quickly catches the imagination of the modern student touching, as it does, the frontiers of biological science and some of the most taxing ethical dilemmas facing modem man. Dr Hutchinson ably introduces the subject of reproductive technology in all its complexity to a wide audience, setting the array of reproductive interventions in the context of the wider issues of population growth, economic divisions between North and South, conservation of the natural environment and exploitation of the animal and plant kingdom for the needs of mankind. However, the scientific depth to which the author goes is somewhat shallow, restricting the usefulness of the book to secondary school and tertiary level general science only. The chapters cover in turn: the basic reproductive biology necessary to appreciate the points of intervention, natural fertility and infertility, methods available for reproductive manipulation, how to monitor reproductive function, details of the reproductive manipulations at present practiced, contraception, and social and ethical considerations. Factually, the book is accurate; I only detected one or two instances when I question the statements made. However, there is a curious mixture of simplicity and detail; perhaps reflecting the areas where Dr Hutchinson is himself more or less au fait with his subject. For example it is more detailed on hormonal aspects but surprisingly brief, to the point of being simplistic, on sperm maturation in the events preceding fertilisation. The social and ethical chapter is a novel and welcome addition to a book of this kind. It is better on the legal and political aspects than on the ethical and moral, although the questions a lay person in our society is raising are clearly articulated, without offering facile solutions. However, the framework of how we arrive at ethical ‘consensus’ is not tackled. It is not clear for whom this book is intended. It is not suitable as a text for the groups which the author has taught (veterinary, medical and honours science) and who have served as the guinea-pigs for this text. Its detail is lacking, inevitably so in a book which is only 170 pp. long. One is then left wondering why include the detailed bibliography which is useful for taking the reader into the current primary literature.
300
Book reviews
Overall, I would recommend the book for school and university first level introductory courses. Many of the figures are helpful in reducing the issues to clear flow charts or simple diagrams. There are few typographical errors. A very comprehensive glossary of terms is included and a good index. It would be useful reference for students who had little formal biology, especially those who are not specialising in biological sciences, since it assumes very little prior knowledge apart from a basic biology, and includes the social issues facing society in the context of these profoundly intrusive techniques. Dr Hutchinson is to be commended for introducing his subject to a wider audience. PAUL WATSON Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences Royal Veterinary College Royal College Street London, NW1 OTV UK SSDI 0378-4320(95)01407-l
Molecular biology of the female reproductive system System. J.K. Findlay (Editor), Academic Press, San Diego, 1994, 457 pp., hardcover, $US95.00 ISBN O-12-256365-4.
Molecular Biology of the Female Reproductive
This book provides a comprehensive review of the molecular and cellular biology of the female reproductive system by 33 authors who are recognized leaders in the field. Emphasis is placed on autocrine, paracrine and endocrine systems controlling reproductive processes with identification of cellular sites for genetic expression of hormones, hormone receptors, their chemistry, and sites of action during different reproductive states. Stephen Hillier sets the stage by providing a descriptive account of the major endocrine and paracrine mechanisms for hormonal control of folliculogenesis, luteinization and luteolysis. Paracrine regulation of follicular estrogen secretion by androgens, epidermal growth factor (EGF), the transforming growth factors (TGFo and TGFP), insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), inhibins/activins, and follistatins in the control of theta and granulosa cells, and their regulatory roles in the developing follicle are clearly outlined. Luteinization with primarily progesterone secretion and current concepts of luteolysis are introduced. Denis Magoffrn and Gregory Erickson dissect control systems that regulate gene expression and steroidogenesis in theta cells of the ovary, and the hormones that activate these control mechanisms. These include a discussion of the diverse family of cytokines, regulatory proteins such as interleukins (II& tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), and the interferons, and their role in regulating ovarian homeostasis. This is concluded by a brief review of important
Animal Reproduction Science 39 (1995) 299-302
Book reviews
Controlling reproduction J.S.M. Hutchinson, Chapman & Hall, London, 1993, 23A, pp., E19.99, ISBN 0412-44310-4.
Controlling Reproduction,
This subject is one which quickly catches the imagination of the modern student touching, as it does, the frontiers of biological science and some of the most taxing ethical dilemmas facing modem man. Dr Hutchinson ably introduces the subject of reproductive technology in all its complexity to a wide audience, setting the array of reproductive interventions in the context of the wider issues of population growth, economic divisions between North and South, conservation of the natural environment and exploitation of the animal and plant kingdom for the needs of mankind. However, the scientific depth to which the author goes is somewhat shallow, restricting the usefulness of the book to secondary school and tertiary level general science only. The chapters cover in turn: the basic reproductive biology necessary to appreciate the points of intervention, natural fertility and infertility, methods available for reproductive manipulation, how to monitor reproductive function, details of the reproductive manipulations at present practiced, contraception, and social and ethical considerations. Factually, the book is accurate; I only detected one or two instances when I question the statements made. However, there is a curious mixture of simplicity and detail; perhaps reflecting the areas where Dr Hutchinson is himself more or less au fait with his subject. For example it is more detailed on hormonal aspects but surprisingly brief, to the point of being simplistic, on sperm maturation in the events preceding fertilisation. The social and ethical chapter is a novel and welcome addition to a book of this kind. It is better on the legal and political aspects than on the ethical and moral, although the questions a lay person in our society is raising are clearly articulated, without offering facile solutions. However, the framework of how we arrive at ethical ‘consensus’ is not tackled. It is not clear for whom this book is intended. It is not suitable as a text for the groups which the author has taught (veterinary, medical and honours science) and who have served as the guinea-pigs for this text. Its detail is lacking, inevitably so in a book which is only 170 pp. long. One is then left wondering why include the detailed bibliography which is useful for taking the reader into the current primary literature.
300
Book reviews
Overall, I would recommend the book for school and university first level introductory courses. Many of the figures are helpful in reducing the issues to clear flow charts or simple diagrams. There are few typographical errors. A very comprehensive glossary of terms is included and a good index. It would be useful reference for students who had little formal biology, especially those who are not specialising in biological sciences, since it assumes very little prior knowledge apart from a basic biology, and includes the social issues facing society in the context of these profoundly intrusive techniques. Dr Hutchinson is to be commended for introducing his subject to a wider audience. PAUL WATSON Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences Royal Veterinary College Royal College Street London, NW1 OTV UK SSDI 0378-4320(95)01407-l
Molecular biology of the female reproductive system System. J.K. Findlay (Editor), Academic Press, San Diego, 1994, 457 pp., hardcover, $US95.00 ISBN O-12-256365-4.
Molecular Biology of the Female Reproductive
This book provides a comprehensive review of the molecular and cellular biology of the female reproductive system by 33 authors who are recognized leaders in the field. Emphasis is placed on autocrine, paracrine and endocrine systems controlling reproductive processes with identification of cellular sites for genetic expression of hormones, hormone receptors, their chemistry, and sites of action during different reproductive states. Stephen Hillier sets the stage by providing a descriptive account of the major endocrine and paracrine mechanisms for hormonal control of folliculogenesis, luteinization and luteolysis. Paracrine regulation of follicular estrogen secretion by androgens, epidermal growth factor (EGF), the transforming growth factors (TGFo and TGFP), insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), inhibins/activins, and follistatins in the control of theta and granulosa cells, and their regulatory roles in the developing follicle are clearly outlined. Luteinization with primarily progesterone secretion and current concepts of luteolysis are introduced. Denis Magoffrn and Gregory Erickson dissect control systems that regulate gene expression and steroidogenesis in theta cells of the ovary, and the hormones that activate these control mechanisms. These include a discussion of the diverse family of cytokines, regulatory proteins such as interleukins (II& tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), and the interferons, and their role in regulating ovarian homeostasis. This is concluded by a brief review of important