4/7 H-P Gonadal Circuit, Normal and Accelerated Flashcards
GnRH originally called what? why?
When GnRH is suppressed, is LH released? FSH?
Originally called LHRH, because in the adult (ie mature axis) it stimulates more LH than FSH release.
If GnRH is suppressed, FSH is released (due to constant basal level) but not LH.
At what point in development is negative feedback evident? positive feedback?
Negative feedback present for both girls and boys in-utero.
Positive feedback present for girls later in pubertal development.
What are the three stages of Maturation of the HPG circuit? aka “Maturational Changes of Negative Feedback”
- Negative feedback first evident (in utero)
- GnRH suppression (infant –> 8yrs old)
- Desuppression (initial steps of puberty)
What happens in males in utero when gonadotropins rise?
Testosterone is produced from testes, causes negative feedback –> gonadotropins drop
(Pink = gonadotropins; Red = testosterone)
What happens in females in utero when gonadotropins rise?
Gonadotropins rise with testosterone then FSH levels drop due to feedback from placental sex steroids (estrogens)
(not entirely clear on this; asked question)
If the first evidence of negative feedback in the HPG circuit occurs in utero for both girls and boys, what is the second evidence of negative feedback?
Remove maternal placental steroids at birth (white line): in female, the FSH levels rise (pink line).
In male neonates, is there a postpartum drop in sex steroids?
No. Male neonate has fetal Leydig cells that persist for 6m postpartum (making testosterone) before declining. Purpose is to drive the descent of testes if needed.
In the mid-childhood years, what happens to GnRH levels in both boys and girls?
blood levels of gonadotropins?
GnRH levels drop due to suppressors at the arcuate nucleus (GABA, dopamine, serotonin, melatonin)
Drop in GnRH -> drop in gonadotropins (LH/FSH)
-> blood levels of FSH =slight, levels of LH =very low
(blood FSH > LH)
What blood levels of FSH and LH occur with the onset of puberty? why?
Initial step of puberty = desuppression of inhibitors in the arcuate nucleus
Now blood LH > FSH
If you get blood levels of LH > FSH, you know that the cause is what?
When you get this blood result (LH>FSH), you know the origin is central (due to de-suppression of the arcuate nucleus) and due to pulsatile GnRH from the hypothalamus
During what time of day does GnRH de-supression initially occur?
Initially occurs during sleep (in both boys and girls). [Does this explain wet dreams in little boys? ugh.]
Eventually becomes desuppressed both day and night.
What are the requirements for positive feedback in the female? (3)
- Follicular development with estradiol secretion
- Blood level of estradiol at 250 pg/ml for 52 h
- Adult pattern of pulsatile GnRH release
Review: what cell does LH activate in the ovary? what cell does FSH activate? what does each cell type do?
LH –> Theca cell, cholesterol –> testosterone
FSH –> Granulosa cell, testosterone –> estradiol
Describe the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Adrenal Circuit. Why is it relevant to repro?
Hypothal secretes Cortisol-Releasing Hormone to Anterior Pituitary;
Ant Pituitary releases POMC (breaks into ACTH/MSH)
ACTH –> adrenal glands to produce cortisol
Cortisol has negative feedback on Hypothal.
Relevance: Adrenarche occurs in mid-childhood. Responsible for appearance of pubic hair.
Describe Adrenarche. what is it responsible for? what does it signify?
Rise of adrenal androgens in mid-childhood. (Gonadal androgens contribute later)
Responsible for pubarche (appearance of pubic hair)
First endocrine change of puberty.
Likely signifies the maturation of the zona reticularis (adrenal)