Week 2 - Control of Reproductive Processes

Question 1

Which drug lowers prolactin levels and can therefore be used to restore fertility?

Answer 1

Bromocriptine - mimics the actions of dopamine

Question 2

Why is breast tenderness caused in the menstrual cycle?

Answer 2

The mammary glands are stimulated during each menstrual cycle as the oestrogen peak induces duct proliferation which causes enlargement and sometimes, oedema and tenderness

Question 3

What is the role of both oestrogen and progesterone in breast changes during pregnancy?

Answer 3

Oestrogen is believed to cause proliferation of the duct system, whilst progesterone causes development of the secretory tissues

Question 4

Which drugs antagonise the effects of dopamine (i.e. inhibit it)?

Answer 4

Metoclopramide, haloperidol, domperidone - therefore, can cause reduced fertility due to elevated prolactin levels

Question 5

Where does the blood in the corpus luteum originate from?

Answer 5

The theca vessels ruptured during ovulation

Question 6

When is corpus nigricans formed?

Answer 6

• Usually during the process of regression of the corpus luteum, the erythrocytes in the centre of the CL are normally removed by macrophages
• If this process is incompleted, cells containing the breakdown products of erythrocyte phagocytosis remain in the regressing corpus luteum
• Under these conditions, a degenerating corpus luteum can form a pigmented structure called corpus nigricans