From the New England Journal of Medicine, September 23, 2004
For a long time, we have been taught that the oocyte in adult mammals is virtually inactive, that it essentially remains in a resting state until the periovulatory period. Evidence that has emerged in recent years paints an entirely different picture. Aside from its contributions to the formation of an embryo, the oocyte is a master regulator of ovarian function. Far from simply waiting for ovulation to occur, the oocyte is intimately involved in the control of fertility. From the organization of follicles in newly forming ovaries to the orchestration of a complex pattern of intraovarian development, the oocyte plays a primary role in reproduction. The nature of these processes and the central role of the oocyte are the themes of this multiauthored work. (Figure) The book begins with a thoroughly engaging review of the historical perspective, which describes the discovery of the oocyte and the recognition of its role as a gamete. The next two sections concern the role of the oocyte in the organization of the ovary, in meiosis, in the regulation of follicle function, and in the processes of fertilization and early embryonic development. The fourth section describes aspects of oocyte pathology, and the final section deals with manipulation of the oocyte in relation to assisted reproductive technology. Although there is a certain amount of overlap among various chapters, which is inherent in multiauthored books, it is kept to a minimum and actually reinforces and links important concepts. The book is an excellent survey of the field, covering basic concepts and providing a snapshot of a dynamically evolving body of knowledge. The chapters review current and some historical literature; however, few controversies are highlighted. Thus, the information presented largely reflects current perspectives. A pillar of the prevailing dogma is that the ovary is invested with its entire complement of oocytes during its initial formation. From then on, it has been believed, oocytes live in an arrested state, potentially for decades, until a signal, as yet unknown, causes them to resume development. Recent evidence has challenged the assumption that there are germ-line stem cells in the ovary that persist throughout the reproductive lifespan. Although the book went to press before these new data were published, when one critically examines the literature that supports the current dogma, it becomes apparent that the question of ovarian stem cells, among other issues, has not been satisfactorily resolved. Given that many of the authors have been leaders in the field for many years, an opportunity was missed for them to provide their considerable insight into areas of conflict or areas where there is insufficient proof of concept. Such discussions would have been valuable for readers who are not intimately familiar with oocyte biology. In summary, Biology and Pathology of the Oocyte contains much useful information and covers the breadth of the field. For those who desire an introduction to the biology of the oocyte, it is an outstanding resource. For those who work with oocytes, the book will serve as an invaluable educational tool. I suspect there are very few readers who would not learn something valuable from this book. Denis Magoffin, Ph.D.Copyright © 2004 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.
Review
"...authoritative...remarkable...fascinating..." G. Sacks, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
"...just right...This book is a comprehensive, but easy to read, insight into current oocyte biology. As a satisfying review for the reproductive biologist, a scientific insight to the clinician or just an update on Eggbert this book hits the mark. It allows us to glimpse the future of reproductive biology and I recommend it highly." W. Colin Duncan, University of Edinburgh, The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
"...contains much useful information and covers the breadth of the field. For those who desire an introduction to the biology of the oocyte, it is an outstanding resource. For those who work with oocytes, the book will serve as an invaluable educational tool. I suspect there are very few readers who would not learn something valuable from this book." The New England Journal of Medicine
"This book is... not only essential reading for all scientists and clinicians involved with infertility, it has a wider appeal to all specialists in reproductive medicine, animal breeding and even fetal development." Fertility & Sterility
Book Description
The human oocyte, or egg, is the rarest and most rapidly aging cell in the body, and is essential for fertility. This book is about the development and pathology of the oocyte, and includes information on new technologies to manipulate, enhance, and control fertility. Leading world experts contribute essays on the basic and applied science of the egg, its clinical manipulation, and its pivotal role in reproductive medicine and biology.
Download Description
The human oocyte or egg is the rarest and most rapidly ageing cell in the body, and yet one that is essential for fertility. This book is about the development, biology and pathology of the oocyte, and new technologies to manipulate, enhance, and control fertility. These technologies are paving the way for overcoming infertility, avoiding inherited diseases, and creating genetically engineered animals from embryo stem cells and cloning. This progress would have been impossible without the myriad of scientific and technical developments covered in this book, including the ability to manipulate and fertilize oocytes in vitro. World-leading experts have contributed to the first book for many years on basic and applied science of the egg, its clinical manipulation, and its pivotal role in reproductive medicine and biology. It will be an essential reference for scientists and clinicians in reproductive medicine and animal breeding technology, and everyone involved in treating infertility.
Book Info
The second author, Roger G. Gosden, is with The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Norfolk, VA. Text covers the development, biology, and pathology of the oocyte; and new technologies to manipulate, enhance, and control fertility. Reference for scientists and clinicians in infertility, reproductive medicine, and animal breeding technology.
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