12-Puberty

Question 1

CNS and puberty

Answer 1

CNS dampens the pulsatile release of gonadal steroids
Not certain on mechanism of stopping the inhibition
Decrease in sensitivity to gonads negative feedback

Question 2

Adrenals and puberty

Answer 2

Androstenedione and DHEA released
Converted to testosterone and DHT in peripheral tissues
DHT more powerful

Question 3

Pubertal growth spurt

Answer 3

Androgens, via aromatisation, and oestrogen increase GH secretion
IGF-I levels rise
Effects epiphyseal plate
Oestrogen causes apoptosis of cells in the reserve zone of the growth plate

Question 4

Leptin

Answer 4

Levels increase in adipose tissue during puberty
However, leptin receptors not expressed by GnRH neurones

Question 5

Kisspeptin

Answer 5

Released from neurones and acts at a GPCR, triggers GnRH release
Leptin receptors found on Kiss1 neurones

Question 6

How is puberty measured

Answer 6

Graded by Tanner stage