Week 10 Flashcards
What is the EPOR model (4 phases of human sexual response)?
- EXCITEMENT: sexual arousal
- PLATEAU: intensification of arousal
- ORGASM: involuntary muscular contractions in both sexes
- RESOLUTION: detumescence & re-arousal is impossible (may not be true of women)
What phases in women cycle are varied/fixed in time?
- Luteal phase FIXED at approx 14days
- Follicular phase VARIES
- Menstrual phase VARIES
How long is sperm viable for?
24-72hrs
How long is oocytes viable for?
12-24hrs
When must coitus occur for fertilisation to occur?
No more than 3 days before ovulation & no more than 1 day after
What is coitus?
Sexual intercourse
How long are sperm capable of fertilising an egg?
4-6days
How long does an ovulated egg remain viable for?
Approx 24-48hrs
Describe the trimesters of pregnancy?
- 1ST (weeks 1-12): most miscarriages occur
- 2ND (weeks 13-28): at 24weeks 50% survival rate for early prematurity
- 3RD (weeks 29-40): parturition at ~40weeks from LMP
How likely are women to conceive (study of women <35yrs in china & europe)?
- 50% pregnant after 2 cycles
- 85% pregnant after 6 months
- 1/2 remaining were pregnant after 1yr
- ~5% subfertile
What % of pregnancies miscarry?
10-15%
What is a spontaneous abortion?
Pre-implantation & post-implantation failure occurring frequently
What % of unprotected intercourse will result in blastocyst stage?
20%
What % of blastocysts fail to implant?
8-20%
What % of clinically detected pregnancies will fail in the 1st 12 weeks?
15-20%
What is the cause of abnormalities?
Chromosomal caused by non-disjunction (aneuploidy), sperm DNA shows high rates of mutation because they lack DNA repair system
What are the 3 stages of the embryonic period (8weeks)?
- Preimplantation embryo
- Implantation
- Differentiation & development of organ systems
What are the 2 stages of the foetal period (8-40weeks)?
- Differentiation continues
2. Growth
What 2 things happen at ovulation?
- Egg extruded onto surface of ovary
2. Smooth muscle of fimbriae cause them to pass over ovary while cilia beat in waves towards interior of duct
What is the purpose of Cumulus cells?
- Aid transport from surface of the ovary
- Sticky cells cling to claimed surface of fimbriae
- Transported by ciliary current (& perhaps peristalsis) to ampulla
Describe intercourse & sperm transport?
- Ejaculation deposits semen into vagina
- Passage into cervical mucus dependent on oestrogen-induced changes in mucus consistency
- Movement through uterus & fallopian tubes via sperm’s own propulsions & uterine contractions
Why do several 100 million to 100-200 sperm die when travelling from vagina to fallopian tubes?
- Vaginal environment is acidic
- Length & energy requirements of trip are large
What does capacitation of sperm cause?
- Change from wavelike beats of tail to whip-like action to propel sperm
- Sperm’s plasma membrane altered so its capable of fusing with surface membrane of egg (acrosome reaction)
How does capacitation destabilise sperm’s surface membrane to enhance fusion with oocyte?
- Increase in Ca2+ permeability (rise in intracellular Ca2+)
- Removal of membrane proteins (glycoproteins)
- Change in surface charge
- Depletion of cholesterol
When does fertilisation usually occur?
Few hrs after ovulation & within 24-48hrs of ovulation
What are the 8 processes which occur in fertilisation?
- Sperm cell weaves past follicular cells & binds to zone pellucida
- Rise in [Ca2+]i triggers exocytosis of acrosome
- Hydrolytic enzymes released, dissolving zona pellucida
- Head of sperm lying sideways, microvilli on oocyte surround sperm head, membranes fuse
- Rise [Ca2]i occyte triggers cortical reaction
- Rise [Ca2+]i ooctye induces completion of oocytes 2nd meiotic division & formation of 2nd polar body
- Sperm head enlarges to become male pronucleus
- Male & female pronuclei fuse
Describe the Acrosome reaction which occurs during the 2nd step of fertilisation?
- Fusion of acrosome plasma membranes
- Releases contents of acrosome (hydrolytic enzymes in acrosomal cap)
- Causes more Ca2+ entry
- Sperm digests a path through zona pellucida (proteolytic enzymes)
What induces the acrosome reaction?
Sperm head contacting the zona pellucida & binding to glycoproteins ZP2 & ZP3
Describe the Cortical reaction which occurs during the 5th step of fertilisation?
- Exocytosis of granules that previously lay immediately beneath the plasma membrane
- Enzymes released lead to changes in zona pellucida proteins = harden, preventing entry of other sperm
Describe the male & female pronuclei fusion which occurs during the 8th step of fertilisation?
- Sperm contributes its nuclear material & centrioles
- All other organelles are present in oocyte cytoplasm
- Mitochondrial DNA inherited exclusively via maternal route
What happens 2-4 days after LH peak?
Cell division to ~32 cells in fallopian tube
What happens 5 days after LH peak?
Blastocyst enters uterine cavity
What happens 6-7 days after LH peak?
Implantation at the uterus
What happens 9-10 days after LH peak?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) from implanted blastocyst (trophoblast cells) rescues corpus luteum, located at trophoblast –> maternal ovary
How is conceptus “held” in fallopian tube?
Oestrogen maintains contraction of smooth muscle near where fallopian tube enters wall of uterus
Describe the process of cell division to ~32 cells?
- Conceptus undergoes number of mitotic cell divisions ie. cleavage & morula formed
- Unusual as no cell growth occurs before each division, therefore conceptus reaching uterus is same size as original fertilised egg
- Cells are totipotent
What are totipotent cells?
- Can form all the cell types in a body, plus the extraembryonic, or placental, cells.
- Embryonic cells within the 1st couple of cell divisions after fertilisation are the only cells that are totipotent
What are pluripotent cells?
Can give rise to all of the cell types that make up the body (embryonic stem cells)
What are multipotent cells?
Can develop into more than 1 cell type, but are more limited than pluripotent cells (adult stem cells & cord blood stem cells)
Why are blastocyst removed for screening?
They are pluripotent so a cell can be removed for testing without damage to the embryo
Describe how the conceptus/blastocyst enters the uterine cavity?
- Plasma progesterone rise 3-4days after fertilisation, smooth muscle relax
- 4-5days after fertilisation, cavities develop
- ~3days, conceptus/blastocyst lies free in uterine cavity supported by uterine secretions
What does trophoblast of the blastocyst give rise to?
Placenta
What does inner cell mass of the blastocyst give rise to?
Form embryo
What happens to blastocyst at day 6?
Attaches to endometrium adjacent to inner cell mass (embryonic pole)
What does the trophoblast differentiate into?
- Inner cytotrophoblast
- Outer syncytiotrophoblast (loses cell boundaries)
Where are the different sites which metabolism occurs?
- Gut lumen
- Gut wall
- Plasma
- Lungs
- Kidneys
- Nerves
- Liver
What are the 2 phases of metabolism which mainly occur in the liver?
- PHASE I: oxidation, reduction or hydrolysis. Reveal/introduce reactive group “functionalisation”, produces more reactive
- PHASE II: synthetic, conjugative reactions. Hydrophilic, inactive compounds generated
What happens to hydrophilic drug molecules during metabolism?
Hydrophilic molecules –> kidney –> urine
What happens to hydrophobic drug molecules during metabolism?
Hydrophobic molecules –> hydrophilic metabolite –> kidney –> urine
OR…
Hydrophobic molecules –> conjugate –> bile –> intestines –> faeces
What 6 reactions occur during Phase I (functionalisation) metabolism?
- Oxidation
- Reduction
- Hydrolysis
- Hydration
- Dethioacetylation
- Isomerisation
What 8 reactions occur during Phase II (conjugative) metabolism?
- Glucuronidation/glucosidation
- Sulfation
- Methylation
- Acetylation
- Amino acid conjugation
- Glutathione conjugation
- Fatty acid conjugation
- Condensation
Give examples of oxidation reactions in Phase I metabolism?
- Mixed-function oxidase system (cytochrome P450)
- Alcohol dehydrogenase
- Xanthine oxidase
Give examples of reduction reactions in Phase I metabolism?
- Ketone reduction
- Anaerobic cytochrome P450 metabolism
Give examples of Hydrolysis reactions in Phase I metabolism?
- Ester hydrolysis (ie. cholinesterases)
- Amide hydrolysis
Describe Mixed-function oxidase systems (CYP450s)?
- Microsomal (ER) enzymes
- Consists of cytochrome P450, NAPDH-CYP450 reductase, lipid
- Requires molecular oxygen, NADPH
What does Phase II metabolism usually produce?
Detoxified, water-soluble, easily secreted products suitable for excretion in bile or urine
What are the 3 causes of variation in drug metabolism?
- Many enzymes capable of metabolising drugs
- Potential for competition & saturation
- Issues of variation/induction/inhibition
In what 2 ways are drugs eliminated?
- Unchanged
2. As metabolites
In general, hydrophilic drugs are eliminated _____ than lipophilic drugs?
MORE
Give examples of the possible sources of excretion for drugs?
- Urine
- Faeces
- Breath
- Milk
- Saliva
- Perspiration
- Hair
- Bile
What is the most important organ involve in elimination of drugs & their metabolites?
Kidneys
What 3 things transfer drugs from plasma to bile?
- Organic cation transporters (OCTs)
- Organic anion transporters (OATs)
- P-glycoproteins (P-GP)
What can happen to the drug concentrated in bile once delivered to the intestines?
- Hydrophilic drug conjugates (ie. glucuronides)
- Hydrolysis of conjugate can occur
- Reabsorption of liberated drug
- Enterohepatic circulation
Describe the Enterohepatic circulation?
Conjugate in liver –> conjugate in bile –> conjugate in intestines (excretion in feces) –> drug in intestine –> drug in blood (renal excretion)
Describe glomerular filtration of drug?
- Filters drugs below 20kDa mol. weight
- Not filtered if drug bound to plasma albumin
Describe Tubular secretion of drug?
- OATs & OCTs
- OATs transport against electrochemical gradient
- Cleared even if bunch to plasma albumin
How much of the drug is reabsorbed if the renal tubule is freely permeable?
99%
What happens to lipophilic & polar drugs in the renal tubule?
- Lipophilic excreted poorly
- Polar remain in lumen
What causes weak acids to be more rapidly excreted?
Alkaline urine
oposite for weak bases
Describe Zero order kinetics?
- Few drugs
- Rate of metabolism is constant
- Does NOT vary with amount of drug present
- Enzyme saturation (alcohol dehydrogenase)
Describe 1st order kinetics?
- Most drugs
- Constant fraction metabolised/unit time
- Increases proportionately to drug
- More drug, faster metabolism
Describe the metabolism of Salicylic acid (hydrolysis of aspirin)?
- Non-linear kinetics
- High doses saturate
What is the Apparent volume of distribution (Vd)?
Total amount of drug in body/ Blood plasma conc. of drug
L or L/kg
What is the clearance of a drug (CL)?
Sum of all routes of elimination (ie. metabolism + excretion)
(L/h)
Describe the relationship between t1/2 (half-life), Vd & CL of a drug?
t1/2 depends on Vd & inversely on CL of drug from the body
What are the 4 different factors that can affect metabolism?
- Age: decreases as age increases
- Genetic variation: wide range of CYP phenotypes, race
- Disease: need proper liver function, adequate essential amino acid, severe burns
- Other Medication: induction of metabolic enzymes, inhibition of metabolic enzymes
What 3 phases develops an anatomical link between the mother & foetus?
- Invasion
- Decidualisation
- Placentation
What makes the maternal portion of placenta?
Endomertium underlying the chorion
How is the endometrium around villi changed?
Changed by enzymes & paracrine agents so each villi is surrounded by a pool/sinus of maternal blood
Describe the maternal blood supplying the placenta?
- Enters placental sinuses/pools via uterine artery
- Flows through sinuses
- Exits via uterine veins
Describe the foetus blood supplying the placenta?
Flows into capillaries of choronic villi via umbilical arteries & back to foetus via umbilical vein
What connects the foetus to placenta?
Umbilical cord
What happens to the blastocyst at day 6/7 (end of week 1)?
- Leaves zona pelucida & is bathed by uterine secretions for 2 days
- Progesterone prepares supportive uterine environment increasing glandular tissue
- Oestrodiol is required to release glandular secretion
Describe the Attachment & Implantation of Blastocyst which occurs at the end of week 1?
- Limited time window
- Syncytiotrophoblast cells “flow” into endometrium
- Causing oedema, glycogen synthesis & increased vascularisation (decidualisation)
- Pregnant endometrium is now termed the decidua
Describe the implantation which occurs at day 13 (time woman expects her next period)?
- Syncytiotrophoblast erode through the walls of maternal capillaries, bleed into the spaces (primitive placental circulation).
- Nutrition depends on uterine secretion & tissues
- Breakthrough bleeding may occur
What resides in the core of the villus?
Fetal capillary loop, dilated at the tip (slow flow rate)
What eventually happens to the chorionic villi?
Become localised at embryonic pole & present a huge surface area for exchange of O2, nutrients & waste products
When does the maternal side of the placental circulation begin to function?
10-12 weeks
What separates maternal & fetal circulations?
Placental membrane, no mixing!
What are syncytiotrophoblasts bathed in?
Maternal blood
How thick should the endometrium be for successful implantation?
Atleast 8mm
How is the trophoblastic lacunae formed?
- Syncytiotrophoblast forms a network of interconnected cords invading endometrium & eroding the maternal capillaries
- Expanded uterine spiral arteries connect with trophoblastic lacunae
What 2 things make up the primary villus?
Core of cytotrophoblast covered by multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast
What 3 things make up the secondary villus?
- Inner core of extra embryonic mesoderm
- Middle cytotrophoblast layer
- Outer syncytiotrophoblast layer
How long does LH support the steroid secretion of the corpus luteum?
10-12days
What is the function of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)?
Mimics action of LH & supports steroid synthesis (progesterone) of corpus luteum & therefore prevent menstruation & any further follicular development
What secretes hCG?
Syncytiotrophoblasts soon after implantation (peaks ~8-10 weeks)
When can hCG be detected in maternal blood by immunoassay?
From day 6-7
When can commercial kits detect hCG in urine?
After ~14days
What are the placental functions in the 1st 3 months?
- 1st month: villus formaiton
- 2nd month: increasing surface area & circulation
- 3rd month: growing, becoming increasingly efficient
What are the 4 “organ-like” functions of the placenta?
- “Gut”: supplying nutrients
- “Lung”: exchanging O2 & CO2
- “Kidney”: regulates fluid volumes & disposing of waste metabolites
- “Endocrine”: synthesises steroids & proteins that affect maternal & foetal metabolism
Why must be have progesterone for the maintenance of pregnancy?
- Suppresses follicular growth & ovulation
- Suppresses immune response
- Maintenance of endometrium
When does the placenta secrete all steroid hormones required for pregnancy?
4-5weeks
what is the substrate for progesterone production?
Cholesterol from the maternal circulation
What is the main oestrogen in pregnancy?
Oestriol
What are the 4 functions of oestrogen in pregnancy?
- Stimulates growth of uterine myometrium
- Stimulates growth of ductal tissue of breast
- Along with relaxin, relaxes & softens maternal pelvic ligaments & symphysis pubis allowing expansion of uterus
- Stimulate LDL cholesterol uptake & P450 enzyme activity
What does oestrogen levels measure?
Foetal well being & placental function
Describe the nutrient exchange across the placenta?
- Rapid, increases as pregnancy advances
- H20 & electrolytes diffuse freely
- Glucose via facilitated diffusion
- Amino acids actively transported
- Lipids cross as free fatty acids
- Vitamins
What can be stored for postnatal requirements?
Glycogen in liver
Babies from what type of mothers are typically heavier than normal range?
Diabetic mothers
Describe gas exchange across the placenta?
- Simple diffusion of gases close to efficiency of lungs
- Concentration gradients influenced by blood flow rates
- Quantity of O2 reaching foetus flow limited
- End of pregnancy exchange capacity decreases & placenta less able to meet demands
What has a greater affinity for O2- adult or fetal haemoglobin?
Fetal haemoglobin
Where are 95-97% of ectopic pregnancies found?
Ampulla/isthmus of the tube
What can rupture of the fallopian tube cause?
Blood loss that may be lifer threatening to mother & fatal for embryo
What can symptoms of ectopic pregnancy be confused with?
Appendicitis
What is the definition of “Genetic counselling” according to the Task Force of National Society of Genetic Counsellors (2006)?
- Process of helping people understand & adapt to the medical, psychological & familial implications of genetic contributions to disease
- Families get a “crash course” in medicine”
What 3 things does the process of Genetic counselling integrate?
- Interpretation of family & medical histories to assess chance of disease occurrence/recurrence
- Eduction of inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources & research
- Promote informed choices & adaptation to the risk or condition
Describe the newborn screening programme for Cystic fibrosis?
- Heel-prick immunoreactive trysinogen (IRT) level = stressed pancreas
- Raised IRT test using CF mutation kit
When is cystic fibrosis suspected in newborn testing?
Raised IRT & 1 pathogenic mutation found
When is cystic fibrosis confirmed in newborn testing?
2 pathogenic mutations found
Describe the “mild” mutation R117H?
- 2nd mutation in 1.85% of Scottish CF patients
- 9% of CF mutations identified on postnatal screen
- Majority do NOT present with CF in childhood
- Effect varies to Intro 8 splice site efficiency
What CFTR Intron 8 variant is the most common in population?
7T
Describe the 5T CFTR Intron 8 variant?
Poor splicing resulting in exon 9 skipping, its not producing much full length protein (10% of normal CRTR)
What new drug artificially opens the chloride channel in G551D mutation?
Ivacaftor
What is R117H associated with?
Male Infertility
What is the risk of Spinal Muscular Atropy if a couple has already had an affected child?
1 in 4 recurrence risk
Describe cleavage stage biopsy?
- Need lots of embryos
- Remove 1 cell day 5
- Whole genome amplification
Why not look directly for mutation?
- Single cell, very low copy number DNA
- Problem with contamination (false +)
- Allele drop out (false - from failure to amplify)
- Expensive