Steroidogenesis, the processes by which cholesterol is converted to steroid hormones,
involves transport proteins, enzymes, redox partners and cofactors. Most steroidogenic …

Significant advances have taken place in our knowledge of the enzymes involved in steroid
hormone biosynthesis since the last comprehensive review in 1988. Major developments …

The implantation of fertilized ova and the formation of the placenta are crucial steps in
reproduction. This review summarizes current information about these steps, including some …

Progesterone is commonly considered as a female reproductive hormone and is well-known
for its role in pregnancy. It is less well appreciated that progesterone and its metabolite …

Continuous efforts have been devoted to unraveling the biophysiology and development of
the human fetal adrenal cortex, which is structurally and functionally unique from other …

Normal implantation and placentation is critical for pregnancy success. Many pregnancy-
related complications that present late in gestation (such as pre-eclampsia and preterm …

One of the essential roles of the human placenta is to produce the steroid hormone
progesterone, which is required for the maintenance of pregnancy. The rate-determining …

Control of antifetal immune responses is thought to be regulated locally by the placenta.
Because the physiologic programming of the placenta across gestation is likely to influence …

Our understanding of when the fetus can experience pain has been largely shaped by
neuroanatomy. However, completion of the cortical nociceptive connections just after mid …

The adrenal cortex produces dozens of steroids having varying degrees of glucocorticoid,
mineralocorticoid, and androgenic activity. Cortisol, the principal glucocorticoid, and …