Dynamics Of The Mammalian Sperm Head: Modifications And Maturation Events From Spermatogenesis To Egg Activation (advances In Anatomy, Embryology And Cell Biology)

E-Book Overview

Mammalian spermatozoa have complex structures. The structure-function relationship of sperm has been studied from various viewpoints. Accumulated evidence has shown that the sperm components undergo sequential changes from the beginning of spermatogenesis to the time of fertilization/embryogenesis. Structural analyses have been performed using various new techniques of light and electron microscopy as well as immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry in combination with specific probes such as antibodies against sperm components. Recently developed gene-manipulation techniques have accelerated investigations on the events that govern the relationship between the structure and molecular components of sperm. In addition, animal models with gene manipulations have been shown to exhibit various morphological and functional abnormalities that lead to infertility. In this book, I discuss the events that occur in the normal sperm head and govern the structure-function relationship from the time of spermatogenesis to that of fertilization or egg activation. In this regard, I describe dynamic modifications and maturation events occurring in sperm-head components and compare the outcomes of these events with the outcomes of their failure.

E-Book Content

Reviews and critical articles covering the entire field of normal anatomy (cytology, histology, cyto- and histochemistry, electron microscopy, macroscopy, experimental morphology and embryology and comparative anatomy) are published in Advances in Anatomy, Embryology and Cell Biology. Papers dealing with anthropology and clinical morphology that aim to encourage cooperation between anatomy and related disciplines will also be accepted. Papers are normally commissioned. Original papers and communications may be submitted and will be considered for publication provided they meet the requirements of a review article and thus fit into the scope of “Advances”. English language is preferred. It is a fundamental condition that submitted manuscripts have not been and will not simultaneously be submitted or published elsewhere. With the acceptance of a manuscript for publication, the publisher acquires full and exclusive copyright for all languages and countries. Twenty-five copies of each paper are supplied free of charge. Manuscripts should be addressed to Co-ordinating Editor Prof. Dr. H.-W. KORF, Zentrum der Morphologie, Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern Kai 7, 60595 Frankfurt/Main, Germany e-mail: [email protected] Editors Prof. Dr. F. BECK, Howard Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3000 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia e-mail: [email protected] Prof. Dr. F. CLASCÁ, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neurobiology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Ave. Arzobispo Morcillo s/n, 28029 Madrid, Spain e-mail: [email protected] Prof. Dr. M. FROTSCHER, Institut für Anatomie und Zellbiologie, Abteilung für Neuroanatomie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstr. 17, 79001 Freiburg, Germany e-mail: [email protected] Prof. Dr. D.E. HAINES, Ph.D., Department of Anatomy, The University of Mississippi Med. Ctr., 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216–4505, USA e-mail: [email protected] Prof. D