Abstract
Reproduction is the forge of Darwinian evolution, and, reproductive fitness (positive adaptation for reproductive success) is directly and deeply ingrained in our genomic fabric. During the evolution of species from aquatic to terrestrial existence there was an internalization of the reproductive processes. This entailed the development of the contemporary urogenital tract through which retention of access from the exterior to the workings of the internalized reproductive processes occurs. The ancient excretory ducts were a natural venue for this since they were developed to provide an interface between the interior milieu and outside conditions [1]. Thus, even though sperm and eggs develop and fertilize inside the body there remains a pathway to and from the exterior in both male and female genital tracts. This pathway is used in males to emit sperm deeply in the vagina and in females to allow the timely ingress of sperm and egress of the fetus and placenta. Since there is an enormous difference between the size of the gametes and each fully developed fetus there must be mechanisms to allow the involved tissues to accommodate the changes in size without sustaining damage. This is part of the development of steroid-sensitive mechanisms such as the management of the interface between the interior of the genitourinary tract and the exterior that have evolved to foster reproduction. These include specialization of the epithelium, stroma, and immune system to maintain the integrity of the genital tract and its adaptation to injury, the response to the urogenital flora and the immune-privileged status of the genetically heterogeneous fetus, etc. Sex steroids that act primarily through nuclear receptors regulate most of these adaptations.
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Naftolin, F., Rinaudo, P., Abushahin, F., Sze, E. (2002). Sex Steroid-Sensitive Reproductive Tissues in Women During Reproduction and Menopause. In: Lobo, R.A., Crosignani, P.G., Paoletti, R., Bruschi, F. (eds) Women’s Health and Menopause. Medical Science Symposia Series, vol 17. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1061-1_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1061-1_12
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