(K9) Hormones and Reproduction 2 Nana

Hormones and
Reproduction
Hormones
Hypothalamus:
analyses nervous signals from other areas of the
brain
also analyses hormonal signals generated in the
ovaries and other endocrine glands and
transmitted by the blood stream.
produces Gonadotropin Releasing
hormone (GnRH) which acts on the
Pituitary gland
The pituitary gland:
Receptors bind GnRh and releases
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Both hormones then act on

the OVARIES in females
the TESTIS in males
The ovaries produce: estrogen
ESTROGEN:
Steroid hormone
At puberty: development of breasts, uterus
and vagina; broadening of pelvis; axillary and
pubic hair; increase in adipose tissue
Participates in monthly preparation of body for
pregnancy( menstrual cycle)
Participates in pregnancy
Progesterone:
Steroid hormone: in target cells, progesterone
binds to receptors forming a progesterone-
receptor complex. This enters the nucleus and
binds to progesterone response element (a
specific sequence of DNA) and turn on genes.
secreted by the corpeus luteum and by the
placenta
Prepares body for pregnancy and maintains
pregnancy
Stimulated by LH, the corpus luteum
secretes progesterone which
continues the preparation of the
endometrium for a possible pregnancy
inhibits the contraction of the uterus
inhibits the development of a new
follicle
If fertilization does not occur:
the rising level of progesterone inhibits the
release of GnRH which, in turn,
inhibits further production of progesterone.
As the progesterone level drops,
the corpus luteum begins to degenerate;
the endometrium begins to break down
the inhibition of uterine contraction is lifted, and
the bleeding and cramps of menstruation begin.
PREGNANCY
Fertilization of the egg takes place within the
fallopian tube. By the end of the week, the
developing embryo has become a hollow ball
of cells called a blastocyst.
The blastocyst reaches the uterus and embeds
itself in the endometrium, a process called
implantation. With implantation, pregnancy is
established.
The blastocyst has two parts:
the inner cell mass, which will become the
baby, and
the trophoblast
develops into the extraembryonic membranes
(the amnion, placenta, and umbilical cord)
begins to secrete human chorionic
gonadotropin (HCG).
HCG behaves like FSH and LH but it is NOT
inhibited by a rising level of progesterone.
HCG prevents the deterioration of the corpus
luteum at the end of the fourth week and enables
pregnancy to continue
Because only the implanted trophoblast makes
HCG, its early appearance in the urine of
pregnant women provides the basis for the most
widely used test for pregnancy.
The corpeus luteum continues to make
progesterone until the end of the first trimester.
As pregnancy continues, the placenta becomes
a major source of progesterone, and its presence
is essential to maintain pregnancy.
Miscarriages often occur at this time and are
thought to be related to the switch-over from the
corpeus luteum and the placenta.
The placenta releases Corticotropin Releasing
Hormone (CRH) which stimulates the pituitary of
the fetus to secrete
ACTH, which acts on the adrenal glands of the
fetus causing them to release the estrogen
precursor dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
(DHEA-S).
This is converted into estrogen by the placenta.
The rising level of estrogen causes the smooth
muscle cells of the uterus to
synthesize connexins and form gap junctions.
Gap junctions connect the cells electrically so that
they contract together as labor begins.
express receptors for oxytocin
Oxytocin is secreted by the posterior lobe of the

pituitary as well as by the uterus.
A number of protaglandins also appear in the
mother's blood as well as in the amniotic fluid.
Both oxytocin and prostaglandins cause the
uterus to contract and labor begins.
Three or four days after the baby is born, the
breasts begin to secrete milk.
Milk synthesis is stimulated by the pituitary
hormone prolactin and its release from the
breast is stimulated by oxytocin.
Milk contains an inhibitory peptide. If the
breasts are not fully emptied, the peptide
accumulates and inhibits milk production. This
action thus matches supply with demand.
RU-486
RU-486 is a progesterone antagonist. It blocks
the action of progesterone by binding more tightly
to the progesterone receptor than progesterone
itself.
The RU-486/receptor complex is not active as a
transcription factor.
Thus genes that are turned on by progesterone
are turned off by RU-486.
The proteins needed to establish and maintain
pregnancy are no longer synthesized.
The endometrium breaks down.
The embryo detaches from it and can no longer
make chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).
Consequently the corpus luteum ceases its
production of progesterone.
The inhibition on uterine contraction is lifted.
Soon the embryo and the breakdown products of

the endometrium are expelled.
These properties of RU-486 have caused it to be
used to induce abortion of an unwanted fetus.
The Male Reproductive Hormones
There are 6 major hormones:

1. GONADOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE
(GnRH):
released by the hypothalamus, tells the pituitary
to release LH and FSH
ultimately controls sperm production and
testosterone levels
2. FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH):
released by the anterior pituitary, stimulates the
production of sperm in the seminiferous tubules of
the testes
3. LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH):
released by the anterior pituitary, stimulates
testosterone production by the interstitial cells of
the testes
4. ANDOSTERONE:
less abundant and less effective than testosterone, made
by interstitial cell in the testes
5. TESTOSTERONE:
made in the interstitial cells
stimulates secondary sex characteristics in males
helps stimulate spermatogenesis in the testes (with FSH)
associated with sex drive
6. INHIBIN:
released by sertoli cells when they are low on nutrients to
feed developing sperm cells
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Hormones and

Both hormones then act on

Oxytocin is secreted by the posterior lobe of the

Soon the embryo and the breakdown products of

There are 6 major hormones:

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