Endocrinology of Pregnancy and Parturition

Current Topics in Experimental Endocrinology, Volume 4: The Endocrinology of Pregnancy and Parturition deals with the various aspects of pregnancy and parturition. The book discusses pregnancy and parturition in marsupials; the vital role of the corpus luteum; and the endocrinology of the preimplantation period, looking into the variety of hormones and other agents and their involvement in the implantation process. The text also describes the critical role of prolactin in pregnancy; the role of human chorionic gonadotropin in early pregnancy; and specific pregnancy proteins. The clinical use of human placental lactogen in pregnancy; estrogen and progestrone production in human pregnancy; and the role of oxytocin in parturition; threatened abortion are also considered. Endocrinologists, obstetricians, gynecologists, reproductive physiologists, and students taking related courses will find the book invaluable.