The organogenesis of the ovary encompasses the formation of a great variety of structures, both germinal and nongerminal. Primordial follicle (PF) formation is of the utmost importance because PFs are obligatory for the reproductive cycle and female fertility. The major events involved in PF formation are described. Areas that could benefit from more investigation are discussed. The working premise is that the number of PFs formed during normal ovary organogenesis varies from one female to the next (ranging from high to low), and that this variability is revealed by the timing of age-related infertility and the menopause. Implicit in this supposition is the concept that anything that alters the sequence of events involved in the process of PF development will have important consequences on female fertility and health.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Defining apoptosis: players and systems.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the basic principles and concepts of apoptosis and some of the information to date regarding the nature of the regulation of apoptosis at the molecular level. METHODS: In the past few years, research in cell and molecular biology has led to a much better understanding of the underlying mechanisms that regulate apoptosis. RESULTS: Positive and negative regulatory elements that function in specific cell types to activate apoptosis have been identified. This activation involves signaling pathways that activate distinct proteolytic cascades that lead to the execution of cell death. CONCLUSION: Homeostasis involves a delicate balance between the processes of proliferation, differentiation, and death by apoptosis. The current challenge is to understand how specific stimuli regulate the execution of programmed cell death in basic reproductive cells and how these interactions are integrated into the overall physiology and pathophysiology of reproduction during life.

Animals↗