Oxygen radicals and reactive oxygen species in reproduction

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species play a number of significant and diverse roles in reproductive biology. In common with other biological systems, mechanisms have evolved to minimize the damaging effects that these highly reactive molecules can have on reproductive integrity. Conversely, however, recent findings illustrate the constructive roles that oxygen radicals and reactive oxygen species play in a number of important junctures in the development of germ cells and the obligate endocrine support they receive for the successful propagation of the species. Specifically addressed in this review are some aspects of sperm development and action, the uterine environment, oocyte maturation and ovulation, and corpus luteum function and regression.