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The mechanism of the initiation of puberty is an intriguing problem. There is good evidence that the time of onset of puberty is determined by genetic and environmental factors. Recent developments in experimental and clinical endocrinology have provided a great deal of new information. Until very recently, little or no information was available on plasma concentrations of gonadotropins and gonadal hormones during the stages of puberty. With the advent of the technology of radioimmunoassay of hormones, such data have been obtained. Highly purified gonadotropic hormones and synthetic hypothalamic hypophysiotropic hormones are now available. Experimental work in animals on the regulation of endocrine function by the central nervous system and biochemical work on the action of hormones on cells have led to a deeper understanding of the complex mechanism involved in the control of puberty.
This book records the proceedings of a conference entitled, "The Control of the Onset of Puberty,"