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Introduction: A unique feature of reproductive tissues is their state of continual change. All tissues undergo differentiation and development during embryology, but the reproductive organs have cycles of tissue activity as a characteristic and integral feature of their mature, functional state. These cycles may operate over long or short periods of time (Fig. 1). For example, the mammary gland may have a period of secretory activity lasting several years, preceded and followed by states of extended but reversible quiescence. In contrast, the ovary may show cycles of follicle growth, ovulation and rupture repeated over as short a period as 7 days (Didelphis marsupialis; Hayssen et al. 1993). Between these extremes are cycles of variable length in tissues such as the uterus (proliferation, deciduation, pregnancy, parturition) or the seasonal testis (growth, spermatogenesis, regression). All these cycles are superimposed on the developmental changes associated with maturation and senescence to which all parts

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