The developing testis is a complex site of various differentiation events resulting in two main functions in adult life - gametogenesis and androgen biosynthesis. Testis research is multidisciplinary in its nature and attracts both basic and clinical scientists. The purpose of this volume has therefore been to bring together a group of expert scientists in the fields of physiology, endocrinology, pediatrics and andrology to sum up our current knowledge on human testicular development, from the state of male sex determination to the end of puberty. The contents span from molecular events in male sex determination and testis differentiation to clinical entities such as the testis in childhood cancer, cancer in the testis and gonadotropin receptor mutations. Testicular descent and cryptorchidism are reviewed from the eyes of a pediatrician rather than from the traditional surgical view. Exciting recent developments in approaches to prevent male infertility after gonadotoxic cancer treatment in prepubertal boys are reviewed. The book addresses a wide readership among basic scientists, general pediatricians, endocrinologists, urologists, andrologists and others interested in the function of the developing male gonad.
