Online courses

Reproductive endocrinology

Oocyte Control of Granulosa Cell Function

We welcome you to a selection of talks from the live symposium titled, The First Seven Days: From Gametes to Blastocyst and Stem Cell.The live program addressed what is perhaps the most dramatically advancing and promising scientific endeavor of the day, namely the developmental biology, genetics and technology of gametes, embryos and embryonic stem cells. Thank you for participating in this self-study course.

Description of Dr. Eppig's presentation: Oocytes are shown to promote glycolysis by their companion granulosa cells to provide energy for their own development. Oocytes promote metabolic functions in cumulus cells that they are incapable of doing. This may be one way that oocytes coordinate their development with that of follicular somatic components.

Intercellular Signaling In The Testis

Description of Dr. Hecht's presentation: The differentiation of male germ cells to spermatozoa is dependent upon two different types of intercellular signaling - one between somatic cells and the developing germ cells and a second intercellular signaling between and among germ cells. As spermatogenesis proceeds, the somatic Sertoli cells provide a permissive structural environment for germ cell maturation, likely by sharing needed factors and macromolecular nutrients. Translin is an RNA-binding protein that recognizes specific sequence motifs in the 3' untranslated regions of a group of male germ cell mRNAs and facilitates their intracellular and intercellular transport. Data is presented describing how protein-RNA complexes containing Translin help maintain molecular equality among haploid male germ cells.

Egg Activation, Calcium Signaling, Gene Expression & Development

Description of Dr. Schultz's presentation: The molecular basis for acquisition of meiotic and developmental competence is largely unknown, as is how the calcium oscillations that occur following fertilization initiate development. Schultz characterizes global changes in gene expression in oocytes derived from primordial, primary, secondary, small antral, and large antral follicles, and identifies biological and molecular processes that accompany these transitions and likely underpin acquisition of meiotic and developmental competence.

Is Retinoic Acid A Sex Hormone?

Description of Dr. Pages's presentation: Sex-specific regulation of retinoic acid (RA) signaling is shown to play an essential role in meiotic initiation in embryonic ovaries and precludes its occurrence in embryonic testes. Since RA signaling regulates Stra8 expression in both embryonic ovaries and adult testes, this portion of the meiotic initiation pathway may be identical in both sexes.

Serum Markers Of Ovarian Reserve: What's new?

Description of Dr. Fanchin's presentation: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a glycoprotein that is exclusively produced by the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles in the adult female, is a new and possibly unique biomarker of ovarian follicular status. Unpublished data on the striking relationship between follicular fluid AMH production and the quality of the ensuing oocyte/embryo as well as on the profile of serum AMH levels during the menstrual cycle are presented and discussed.

Spermatogonial Cell Therapeutic Manipulation and Transplantation

Description of Dr. Schlatt's presentation: A small subfraction of spermatogonia functions as germline stem cells. Spermatogonial stem cells are located in specific somatic niches, divide rarely and provide germ cell precursors which enter an intense mitotic phase before undergoing meiosis. Schlatt describes the mechanisms responsible for stem cell turnover and clonal expansion and underscores the importance of the existence of spermatogonial stem cells in offering clinically relevant options for preservation and restoration of male fertility.

Menopause 2005
The purpose of this course is to update the practitioner on issues related to menopause. The program will review the symptoms of menopause, the consequences of the hormonal changes that occur, and provide treatment options in light of the Women’s Health Initiative data

Adoption Considerations During & After Infertility Treatment
The goal of this program was to provide information to the healthcare professional on the adoption process. Please note this educational course was written in 2001 and information may be outdated.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The goal of this program was to provide nurses, pharmacists, obstetricians, gynecologists, and other healthcare providers with an understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology and diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and to identify treatment options for patients.

home

about us

calendar

conferences

online courses

site map

legal

privacy

BioSymposia, Inc. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, the American Nurses Association's American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. We also work with other key accreditors.

This site contains medical information and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a medical professional. Always consult a physician if you have health concerns. Use and access of this site is subject to the terms and conditions as set out in our Legal Statement and Privacy Policy.