HPG Axis Flashcards

1
Q

Name the main hormones of reproduction released from the HPG axis

A

Hypothalus: GnRH

Pituitary: LH, FSH, prolactin oxytocin

Gonads: Inhibin ,(Oestrogen, Progesterone), testosterone

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2
Q

Describe the anatomy of the pituitary gland

A

Lies in the cavity of the sphenoid bone

Connects to the hypothalamus via the pituitary stalk/infindibulum.

Encapsulated by dura mater

Communication between the pituitary and hypothalus is via neural and hormonal signalling.

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3
Q

Brieftly describe the HPG axis in males

A

Initiation of spermatogenesis at puberty requires LH and FSH.

GnRH induces the anterior pituitary to produce LH anf FSH.

FSH binds to receptors on Sertoli cells which induces the expression of androgen receptors, which increases the tissue responsiveness to andgrogens. Also stimulates inhibin.

LH binds to receptors on Leydig cells and induces tehm to increase the production of testosterone. Testosterone translocates to the tubules and binds to androgen receptors on Sertoli cells.

Inhibin has a negative feedback effect on pituitary release of FSH. Testosterone acts at the hypothalamus and pituitary to inhibit LH

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4
Q

Describe the endocrine changes that occur at menopause

A

Oocyte numbers decline with age

Concentrations of oestrogen and progesterone fall, and the loss of negative feedback causes a rise in GnRH, FSH and LH

Highest rise in FSH due to loss of inhibin from follicles.

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5
Q

What are the cell types in the anterior pituitary gland and what hormones do they produce?

A

Corticotrophs: ACTH, b-lipotrophin, MSH

Thyrotrophs: TSH

Gonadotrophs: LH, FSH

Somatotrophs: GH

Lactotrophs: PRL

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6
Q

Describe the release of GnRH

A

Synthesised by neurons in the hypothalamus as a prepropeptide which is cleaved to GnRH and secreted into the hypophyseal vessels to the anterior pituitary.

Release is pulsatile: every 1-2 hours.

Increased pulsatile activity or continuous release acts as an analogue and blocks the gonadotrophs.

Stimulates gonadotrophs to produce FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary. Stimulates hyperplasia and hypertrophy of target cells.

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7
Q

Describe the control of GnRH secretion by the hypothalamus

A

Before ovulation high levels of oestrogen act on the hypothalamus to release high frequency, low amplitude pulses of GnRH. This increases sensitvity of gonadotrophs to GnRH and stimulates LH and FSH release.

Continous/non-pulsatile release of GnRH has an inhibitory effect and reduces secretion of gonadotrophins.

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8
Q

Describe the effects of testosterone in the male

A

Some converted to di-hydrotestosterone by Sertoli cells (more potent)

Promotes spermatogenesis, secondary sexual characteristics

Affects behaviour by acting on the hypothalamus.

Enhances long bone growth, muscle protein synthesis, male pattern hair,

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9
Q

What are the action of gonadal steroids in males?

A

GnRH released from the hypothalamus stimulates FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary

LH receptors in Leydig cells stimulate testosterone biosynthesis and secretion. Promotes spermatogenesis.

FSH binds to Sertoli cells and enhances sensitivity to testosterone

Inhibin produced by Sertoli cells in response to the gonadotropin exerts negative feedback inhibition on FSH release from pituitary gonadotropes.

Testosterone from Leydig cells exerts negative feedback inhibition on LH release from pituitary gonadotropes.

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10
Q

Describe the action of gonadotrophins on the ovaries

A

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Stimulates development of follicles

Luteinising hormone (LH)
Stimulates ovulation
and development of
the corpus luteum

FSH + LH stimulates secretion of oestradiol

LH stimulates secretion of progesterone

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11
Q

Action of LH in males

A

binds to LH receptors on Leydig cells

induces them to increase production of testosterone

Testosterone translocates to the tubules and binds to the Androgen Receptor on Sertoli Cells

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12
Q

Action of FSH in males

A

Binds to the FSH receptor on Sertoli cells

This induces the expression of Androgen Receptor increasing responsiveness to androgens

Also stimulates inhibin

High levels of inhibin exert negative feedback on FSH

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