3 - HORMONAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

Question 1

insufficient MIH

Answer 1

• XY males with dysfunctional sertoli cells
• no MIH
• development of müllerian duct into female internal reproductive organs not suppressed
• ‘intersex’ appearance of internal reproductive organs (neither fully develop)
• external phenotype not affected

Question 2

congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)

Answer 2

• fetus with overactive adrenal gland
• XX females = possible ‘intersex’ appearance of external genitals
• but internal reproductive organs not affected - as adrenal gland develops too late (after wolffian duct regresses)
• external phenotype = ranging from unaffected (female) to severely affected (pseudo-male)
• affects males too (see other card)

Question 3

what are the effects of CAH in males?

Answer 3

• affects electrolytes
• requires treatment - can kill baby if not found early enough
• doesn’t cause sexual dif. in males