ABSTRACT
School of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Introduction The reproductive axis The brain RAS and reproduction The anterior pituitary The testis Testicular and somatic ACE Functions of the male reproductive tract RAS The ovarian RAS Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the ovarian RAS Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome Uterus, placental and fetal membranes Summary References
INTRODUCTION In 1968 it was shown that the key component of the renin-angioten in sy tern (RAS), renin, was present in fetal membranes, the placenta and the other tis ue of the female uteroplacental complex (Skinner et al., 1968). Since that time it ha become evident that all elements of the RAS exist at all levels within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad ' reproductive' organ axis (Figure I). Apart from the developing fetus it elf, fetal membranes and the placenta contain the other component of the RAS a well a renin .
