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Biology and Biochemistry of Reproduction and Contraception
Dr. W. Jöchle,
Dr. W. Jöchle
Hauptlaboratorium der Schering AG., Berlin (Germany)
Search for more papers by this authorDr. W. Jöchle,
Dr. W. Jöchle
Hauptlaboratorium der Schering AG., Berlin (Germany)
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Maturation of sperm and ovum are not autonomous processes. Rather, germ cell activity is controlled by a regulatory center in the hypothalamus. This assures germ cell maturation, fertilization, and development of the fetus until birth. Command, functional release, and feedback take place by humoral paths which involve gonadotropin releasers, gonadotropins, and sex harmones. Even in antiquity, attempts at birth control involved a search for substances which might inhibit the essential physiological and biochemical reproductive processes. This report deals with more recent efforts along these lines.
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