Abstract: The polyamines are a group of ubiquitous polycationic compounds, including spermine, spermidine and putrescine. Mammals synthesize polyamines de novo from amino acids or intake these compounds from food. These compounds participate in the regulation of oxidative stress by eliminating the excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). The polyamines are essential to reproduction and embryo/fetal development. Studies indicate that the polyamines are regulators of cell growth and gene expression, and both mitosis and meiosis. In male reproduction, the polyamines are correlated with spermatogenesis and sperm motility. In female mammals, the polyamines are involved in follicle development and ovulation, and steroidogenesis in the ovary. The additional polyamines can effectively reduce the rate of oocyte aneuploidy and improve the embryonic development in in vitro maturation (IVM). Furthermore，the absence of polyamines can lead to the arrest of embryogenesis. The polyamines are also involved in placental development and material exchange between mother and fetal. This article reviews the biological functions of polyamines and their effects on gametogenesis and placental development.

Key words:  Polyamines, Reproduction, Gametogenesis, Embryonic development, Oxidative stress