Reproduction Flashcards
What is the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis?
- Hypothalamus → GnRH
- GnRH → Anterior Pituitary → FSH or LH
3a. FSH or LH → Ovary → Progestins, Estrogens
3b. FSH or LH → Testes → Androgens
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone
- Where is it produced
- Where does it act? What does it cause?
- What is the negative feedback for this hormone?
- Hypothalamus
- Anterior pituitary → FSH and LH
- Negative feedback via steroid hormones
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
- Where is it produced?
- Where does it act? What does it do?
- What is the negative feedback for this hormone?
- Pituitary gland
2a. Ovarian GRANULOSA CELLS → stimulate follicular development
2b. Testicular SERTOLI CELLS → aid spermatogenesis - Negative feedback via steroid hormones and inhibin
Luteinizing Hormone
- Where is it produced?
- Where does it act? What does it do?
- What is the negative feedback for this hormone?
- Pituitary Gland
- a. Acts on multiple ovarian cells → stimulate steroid hormone synthesis; OVARIAN GRANULOSA CELLS → stimulate ovulation
2b. Testicular LEYDIG CELLS → stimulate steroid hormone synthesis - Negative feedback via steroid hormones* and inhibin
* However there is a time after a certain point of estrogen increase, that estrogen will create a positive feedback loop with LH
What are the 3 broad roles of estrogen?
- Fertilization
- Pregnancy preparation and pregnancy
- Long term effects on physiology → female secondary sex characteristics
How do estrogens influence fertilization?
- Increase estrous behavior in some species
- Increase uterine contractility
- Opens cervix to admit sperm
How do estrogens influence pregnancy preparation and pregnancy?
- Stimulates endometrial development
- Increases uterine progesterone receptors
- Increase GnRH → LH surged → ovulation
What are the 3 broad roles of progestins?
- Fertilization
- Preparation for pregnancy and pregnancy
- Lactation
What are the effect of progestins on fertilization?
- Decrease uterine contractility
- Closes cervix
- Decrease FSH secretion
What are the effect of progestins on preparation for pregnancy and pregnancy?
- Increase uterine musculature
2. Increase endometrial gland secretions
What are the effect of progestins on lactation?
- Stimulates development of mammary alveolar cells
2. Inhibits milk production
What are the 3 broad roles of androgens?
- Spermatogenesis
- Fertilization
- Long term effects on physiology
What are the effects of androgens on spermatogenesis?
- Actions on SERTOLI cells
- Maintenance of efferent ductular system
- Maintenance of accessory sex glands
What are the effects of androgens on fertilization?
- Promote sexual behavior
What are the effects of androgens on long term effects of physiology
- Male secondary sex characteristics
2. Anabolic effect (promotes growth)
Prolactin
- Where is it produced?
- What does it do?
- What does it inhibit?
- Anterior pituitary
- Promotes lactation and maternal behavior
- Inhibits follicular development