Transgenic models of ovarian failure

Reproductive development and function are a complex process requiring the c oordinate interactions of multiple extragonadal and intragonadal factors. P eptide hormones from the hypothalamus (eg, gonadotropin releasing hormone) and the pituitary (eg, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, o xytocin) as well as growth factors and steroids from the gonads (eg, inhibi ns, growth differentiation factor-9, progesterone, estradiol, testosterone) play key functions in regulating specific aspects of reproduction. Our lab oratory used spontaneous mutant mice and transgenic mouse models to address the essential roles of some of these factors in the propagation of the mam malian species. This review summarizes some of our initial studies to under stand this process. (J Soc Gynecol Investig 2001;8:S30-S33) Copyright (C) 2 001 by the Society for Gynecologic Investigation.