Female Reproductive Physiology III

Question 1

Role of histamine in preovulatory LH surge

Answer 1

Increases follicular pressure by increasing vascular permeability

Question 2

Role of PGE2 in preovulatory LH surge

Answer 2

Increases follicular pressure by increasing blood flow to ovary and dominant follicle

Question 3

Role of PGF2a in preovulatory LH surge

Answer 3

1) Increase follicular pressure by contracting ovarian smooth muscle
2) Weaken follicle wall by releasing lysosomal enzymes
3) Promotes cumulus expansion, enabling ovulation

Question 4

Which factors weaken the follicle wall during the preovulatory LH surge?

Answer 4

1) Shift from E2 production to P4 production by Theca Interna Cells activates collagenase (Theca International’s Cells also make collagenase)

2) Surface epithelium activates collagenase via
a) Plasmin
b) Tumor necrotic factor a

3) Tumor necrotic factor a (from surface epithelium) also weakens follicle wall directly by killing granulosa cells (as well as epithelial cells)

Question 5

Lutenization

Answer 5

Breakdown of basement membrane b/t theca and granulosa cells

Question 6

Lutenization begins

Answer 6

PRIOR to ovulation

Question 7

Large luteal cells descend from _____ cells and undergo ______.

Answer 7

Granulosa

Hypertrophy

Question 8

Small luteal cells descend from _____ and undergo _____.

Answer 8

Theca

Hyperplasia

Question 9

Which enzyme catalyzes conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone in the mitochondria?

Answer 9

Cytochrome P450

Question 10

Which enzyme catalyzes conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone in the SER?

Answer 10

3BHSD

Question 11

For how long does the CL resist PGF2a?

Answer 11

First 5-7 days of progesterone production

Question 12

Progesterone functions

Answer 12

1) Extend pregnancy
2) Facilitate folliclar wave turnover
3) “Prime” brain for behavioral estrus

Question 13

Inhibitory Effects of Progesterone

Answer 13

1) GnRH (and preovulatory LH surge and behavioral estrus)

2) Myometrial contractions (EXCEPT in MARE)

Question 14

Stimulatory Effects of Progesterone

Answer 14

1) Uterine milk

2) Alveolar development in mammary gland

Question 15

Melatonin

Answer 15

1) Light inhibits melatonin release from pineal gland
2) LOW melatonin stimulates RFRP
3) RFRP either inhibits or stimulates kisspectin
4) GnRH rises w/ kiss pectin

Question 16

PGF2a is made by which layer of the uterus?

Answer 16

Endometrium