Pregnancy and Lactation

Question 1

What are the events of fertilzation

Answer 1

1. sperm binds zona pellucida
2. bindind of sperm triggers intracellular increase in Ca2+ which induces the acrosomal reaction

–>Ca2+ singaling will evoke meoitic events to follow

Question 2

During the implantation phase what hormone is responsible for signaling to the corpus luteum to not “slough off” ?

Answer 2

HCG- human chorionic gonadotropin

–>related to LH

Question 3

Why is hCG used to detect pregnancy?

Answer 3

Produced by trophoblastic cells of fetus

Question 4

Aside from nutrients what is the role of the placenta?

Answer 4

Maintains pregnant state of uterus by producing progresterone

Question 5

Similary to hCG, there is a hormone which only appears during pregnancy, however it appears a bit later on (5 weeks>) than does hCG. What is this hormone and what are some of its key functions?

Answer 5

hCS - human chorionic sommatotropin OR hPL -human placental lactogen

• grows proportionately with placenta
• has growth hormone and prolactin effects

–>Growth hormone effect: decreased insulin sensitivity so that baby can use circulating glucose for energy => increases chances of gestational diabetes for mom

–>prolactin effect: stimulation of mammory gland development