KIA Semester III.
PENGANTAR
FISIOLOGI REPRODUKSI
Kuliah 1
Rahmatina B. Herman
Bagian Fisiologi
(2)
Reproduction
Reproduction is process
to maintain
continuation of species
by which
-
new individuals
of a species are produced
-
genetic material
is passed from generation
to generation
Cell division in a multicellular organism is
necessary for growth and it involves passing of
genetic material from parent cells to daughter
cells
(3)
The Reproductive System
does not contribute to homeostasis
is not essential for survival of an individual
But still plays a i porta t i a perso ’s life,
e.g. the manner:
- in which people relate as sexual beings
contributes in significant ways to
psychosocial behavior
- how people
view themselves
(4)
The Reprodu tive Syste …..
Reproductive function also has a profound
effect on society:
- universal organization of societies into
family units provide a stable environment
that is
conducive for perpetuating
our
species
- on other hand,
population explosion
and its
resultant drain on dwindling resources
have led to worldwide concern with means
by which reproduction can be limited
(5)
The Reprodu tive Syste …..
Reproductive capability depends on
intricate
relationship among hypothalamus, anterior
pituitary, reproductive organs, and target cells
of sex hormones
These relationship employ many of
regulatory
mechanisms
used by other body systems for
maintaining homeostasis, such as
(6)
The Reprodu tive Syste …..
Sexual behavior and attitudes are deeply
influenced by emotional factors and
socio-cultural mores of the society in which the
individual lives
However, Reproductive Physiology will
concentrate on basic sexual and reproductive
functions that are under nervous and hormonal
control,
and will not examine physiological and
social ramifications of sexual behavior
(7)
The Reprodu tive Syste …..
The organ of male and female may be grouped
by function
Testes and ovaries (gonads), function in
production of gametes: sperm and ova
Gonads also secrete hormones
The ducts of reproductive systems transport,
receive, and store gametes
Accessory sex glands produce materials that
support gametes
(8)
The Reproductive System
…..
In females, the breasts are also considered
accessory reproductive organs
The externally visible portions of reproductive
system are known as external genitalia
The production of gametes and fluid, and their
discharge into ducts classify the gonads as
exocrine glands
Whereas the production of hormones classify
the gonads as endocrine glands
(9)
Secondary Sexual Characteristic
Secondary sexual characteristic are many external
characteristics
not directly involved in
reproduction
That
distinguish male and female
Development and maintenance governed by
testosterone in males and estrogen in females
Progesterone has no influence on secondary
sexual characteristic
Axillary and pubic hair growth is not secondary
sexual characteristic
(10)
Secondary Sexual Characteristic
..…
In some species, secondary sexual
characteristic are great importance in courting
a d ati g ehavior e.g. to attra t fe ale’s
attention)
In humans, attraction the opposite sex not only
influenced by secondary sexual characteristic
but also
strongly affected by the complexities
of human society and cultural behavior
(11)
Overview of Functions and Organs
of Male Reproductive System
The essential reproductive functions of
male
are:
1. Production
of sperm (spermatogenesis) by
testes (in skin-covered sac: scrotum)
2. Delivery
of sperm to female
–
semen by
- male reproductive tract: epididymis, vas
deferens, ejaculatory duct
- urethra (in penis)
3. Male
accessory
sex glands: providing bulk of
semen: seminal vesicle, prostate,
(12)
(13)
Overview of Functions and Organs
of Female Reproductive System
Female
’s role i reprodu tio is ore o pli ated:
1. Production of ova (oogenesis) by ovaries
2. Reception of sperm: vagina-cervix
3. Reception of sperm and ovum to a common site for union (fertilization or conception): Fallopian tube
4. Maintenance of the developing fetus until it can survive in outside world (gestation or pregnancy), including formation of placenta (organ exchange between mother and fetus): uterus
5. Giving birth to the baby (parturition)
6. Nourishing the infant after birth by milk production (lactation): mammae
(14)
Overview of Functions and Organs
of Fe ale Reprodu tive Syste …..
Product of fertilization:
embryo
During first 2 months of intrauterine
development when tissue differentiation is
taking place
Developing living being is recognizable as
human:
fetus
-
no further tissue differentiation
(15)
Overview of Functions and Organs
of Fe ale Reprodu tive Syste …..
Female
reproductive tract consists of:
Ovaries
Oviduct s (Fallopian tubes)
- pick up ova on ovulation and serve as fertilization site Uterus, thick-walled hollow: responsible for
- maintaining fetus during development , and - expelling it at the end of pregnancy
Cervical canal
- small opening of cervix
- pathway for sperm to uterus then to oviduct - passageway for delivery of baby from uterus
Cervix
(16)
Overview of Functions and Organs
of Fe ale Reprodu tive Syste ……
Vagina
- expandable tube
- connects uterus to external environment
Vaginal opening
- located in perineal region
- between urethral opening and anal opening Hymen
- thin mucus membrane partially covering vaginal opening
• Labia minora and labia majora
- skin folds surrounding vaginal and urethral openings
• Clitoris
(17)
(18)
(19)
(20)
Sex Determination and Differentiation
Reproductive cells each contain a half set of
chromosomes
Gametogenesis is accomplished by
meiosis
The sex of and individual is determined by
combination of sex chromosomes
Sexual differentiation along male or female
lines depends on the presence/ absence of
masculinizing determinant
(21)
(22)
(23)
Parents with diploid (46 chr) somatic cells
Mother
Father
Meiotic division of germ cells
Meiotic division of germ cells
Haploid Ovum Haploid Sperm
Fertilization
Diploid fertilized Ovum
Mitosis
(24)
Ovum with X sex chromosome
Fertilized by
Sperm with Y sc Sperm with X sc
Embryo with XY sc Genetic sex Embryo with XX sc Sex-determining region
of Y chr (SRY) stimulates Production of H-Y antigen
In plasma membrane of undifferentiated gonad H-Y antigen directs
differentiation of gonads into testes
No Y chr, so no SRY and no H-Y antigen
With no H-Y antigen, undifferentiated gonads
develop into ovaries
Gonadal sex
(25)
Testosterone
Promotes development of undifferentiated external genitalia along male lines
(e.g. penis, scrotum)
Testes secrete hormone and factor
Phenotype sex Mullerian-inhibiting factor Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Converted to Degeneration of Mullerian ducts Transforms Wolfian ducts into male reproductive tract
(e.g. epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct,
(26)
(27)
(28)
Absence of testosterone
Undifferentiated external genitalia along female lines
(e.g. clitoris. labia)
Ovaries does not secrete hormone and factor
Phenotype sex
Absence of Mullerian- inhibiting factor Degeneration of
Wolfian ducts
Mullerian ducts develop Into female reproductive tract (e.g. oviducts, uterus)
(29)
Errors in Sexual Differentiation
Genetic sex and phenotype sex are usually
compatible
Occasionally, discrepancies occur
between genetic and anatomic sexes
(30)
Errors i Se ual Differe tiatio …..
1. If testes in
a genetic male
fail to properly
differentiate and secrete hormones, the result
is the development of an apparent anatomic
female in a genetic male, who, of course will
be sterile.
Similarly, genetic males whose target cells lack
receptors for testosterone are feminized, even
though their testes secrete testosterone
(31)
Errors i Se ual Differe tiatio …..
2. Testosterone acts on Wolfian ducts to convert
them into a male reproductive tract;
If testosterone derivative dihydrotestosterone
(DHT) that responsible for masculinization of
external genitalia because of genetic deficiency
of the enzyme which converts testosterone
into DHT, results in a genetic male with testes
and a male reproductive tract but with female
external genitalia
(32)
Errors i Se ual Differe tiatio …..
3. Adrenal gland normally secretes a weak
androgen, dehydroepiandrosterone in
insufficient quantities to masculinize females.
If, pathologically excessive secretion of this
hormone in a genetically female fetus during
critical developmental stages imposes
differentiation of reproductive tract and
genitalia along males lines
(33)
Errors i Se ual Differe tiatio …..
Sometimes, the discrepancies between genetic
sex and apparent sex are not recognized until
puberty, when discovery produces
psychologically traumatic gender identity crisis
For instance: a masculinized genetic female
with ovaries, but with male type external
genitalia may be reared as a boy until puberty.
When breast enlargement and lack of beard
growth signal an apparent problem
(34)
Errors i Se ual Differe tiatio …….
Less dramatic cases of inappropriate sex
differentiation often appear as sterility
problems
Therefore, important to diagnose any
problems in sexual differentiation in infancy. It
can be reinforced, if necessary, with surgical
and hormonal treatment, so that psychosexual
development can proceed as normally as
(35)
(36)
Tugas
1. Hubungan sistem limbik (limbic system)
dengan pengaturan fungsi seks
2. Hubungan kelenjar pineal (pineal body)
dengan pegaturan fungsi seks
(37)
DASAR-DASAR
BIOMOLEKULER
REPRODUKSI WANITA
Rahmatina B. Herman
Bagian Fisiologi
Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Andalas
(38)
Sex Determination and Differentiation
Reproductive cells/gamete each contain a half
set of chromosomes (
haploid
)
Gametogenesis is accomplished by
meiosis
The sex of and individual is determined by
combination of sex chromosomes
Sexual differentiation along male or female
lines depends on the presence/absence of
(39)
(40)
(41)
Absence of testosterone
Undifferentiated external genitalia along female lines
(e.g. clitoris. labia)
Ovaries does not secrete hormone and factor
Phenotype sex
Absence of Mullerian- inhibiting factor
Degeneration of Wolfian ducts
Mullerian ducts develop Into female reproductive tract (e.g. oviducts, uterus)
(42)
Summary of 4 possible defects produced by maternal nondisjunction of sex chromosomes at the time of meiosis
The YO combination is believed to be lethal, the fetus dies in utero
/Ovarian agenesis/Turner syndrome
(43)
Female Reproductive System
Reproductive system of women shows regular cyclicchanges that may be regarded as periodic preparation for fertilization and pregnancy
In humans and primate, the cycle is a menstrual cycle and its conspicuous feature is periodic vaginal bleeding that
occurs with the shedding of uterine mucosa (menstruation)
In other mammal: the sexual cycle is called estrous cycle, no episodic vaginal bleeding occurs, but the underlying endocrine events are essentially similar
- in some species: ovulation occurs spontaneously - in other species: ovulation is induced by copulation
(44)
Ovaries
Primary female reproductive organs
Perform dual function:
- producing ova (oogenesis)
- secreting female sex hormones:
estrogen and progesterone which act together to: > promote fertilization of ovum
> prepare female reproductive system for pregnancy
Containing various levels of follicle
development
(45)
Histology of the ovary. The arrows indicate the sequence of developmental stages that occur as part of ovarian cycle
(46)
Oogenesis
Undergo numerous mitotic divisions
± 7 month after conception, fetal oogonia
cease dividing
From this point on, no new germ cells are
generated
Still in the fetus, all oogonia develop into
(47)
Primary Oocyte
Begin a first meiotic division by replicating their DNA However, they do not complete the division in the fetus
Accordingly, all the eggs present at birth are primary oocytes containing 46 chromosomes, each with two sister chromatids
Cells are said to be in a state meiotic arrest
State meiotic arrest continues until puberty and the onset of renewed activity in ovaries
Only primary oocytes destined for ovulation will ever complete the first meiotic division, for it occurs just before the egg is ovulated
(48)
Pri ary Oo yte…..
Each daughter cells receives 23 chromosomes, each with 2 chromatids
One of the two daughter cells, secondary oocytes retains virtually all cytoplasm (other is first polar body)
Thus, the primary oocytes:
- Already as large as the egg will be
- Passes on to be secondary oocyte half of its
chromosomes but almost all of its nutrient-rich cytoplasm
(49)
Secondary Oocyte
The second meiotic division occurs in a
fallopian tube after ovulation, but
only if the
secondary oocyte is fertilized (penetrated by a
sperm)
Daughter cells each receive 23 chromosomes,
each with a single chromatid
One of the two daughter cells, termed an ovum
retains
nearly all cytoplasm
(other is second
(50)
Final Result of Oogenesis
Net result of oogenesis is
that each primary oocyte
can produce only one
(51)
(52)
(53)
Summary of Oogenesis
Birth Puberty Oogonia Chromosomes Per cell Chromatids Per cell46 2
2 46
23
23 1
(54)
Summary of
Ooge esis…..
Oogonia: mitotic divisions until ± 7 month after conception
Mitosis of oogo iu → primary oocyte
Meiosis of primary oocyte, but do not complete
(beginning of the 1st eioti divisio → eioti arrest
Primary oocyte at birth containing 46 chromosomes 1st meiotic division is completed just before ovulation
→ secondary oocyte
2nd meiotic division occurs in a fallopian tube after
ovulation, but only if the secondary oocyte is fertilized (penetrated by a sperm)
(55)
Comparison of Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis
Spermatogenesis
Three major stages:
1.
Mitotic proliferation
2.
Meiosis
3.
Packaging/ spermiogenesis
:
physically
reshaping/ remodeling
± 64 days, from spermatogonium to mature sperm
Up to
several hundred million sperm may reach
(56)
(57)
Follicle
From the time of birth, there are many
primordial
follicles
,
each containing 1 primary oocyte
Progression of some primordial follicles to
preantral and early antral stages occurs
- throughout infancy and childhood, and
- then during the entire menstrual cycle
Therefore, although most of follicles in ovaries are
still primordial, there are also always present
a
relatively constant few number of preantral and
early antral follicles
(58)
Menstrual Cycle
At the start of each menstrual cycle, 10-25 the
follicles begin to develop into larger follicles
In humans, usually one of the larger follicles in one ovary starts to grow rapidly on ± the 6thday, becomes the dominant follicle
The dominant follicle continues to develop, and
others (in both ovaries) regress and become a
degenerative process called
atresia
(an example of
programmed cell death, or
apoptosis
)
(59)
Ovulation
Mature follicle (Graafian follicle): ± 1,5 cm in
dia eter, that it alloo s out o ovary’s surfa e
Ovulation occurs when the thin walls of follicle
and ovary at site where they are joined rupture
because of enzymatic digestion
Secondary oocyte surrounded by its tightly
adhering zona pellucida and granulosa cells, as
well as cumulus, is carried out of ovary and onto
ovarian surface by antral fluid
(60)
Ovulatio …..
Occasionally, 2 or more follicles reach
maturity and more than 1 egg may be
ovulated
This is the most common of cause of
multiple births
In such cases, siblings are fraternal, not
identical, because the eggs carry different
sets of genes
(61)
LH
Follicular steroid hormones (progesterone) Proteolytic enzymes
(collagenase)
Follicular hyperemia and
Prostaglandin secretion
Weakened follicle wall Plasma transudation into follicle
Degeneration
of stigma Follicle swelling
Follicle rupture
Evagination of ovum
(62)
(63)
Indicators of Ovulation
A surge in LH secretion triggers ovulation- Ovulation normally occurs ± 9 h after the peak of LH surge - The ovum lives for ± 72 h after ovulation, but it is
fertilizable for a much shorter time
Research shows:
> Intercourse on the day of ovulation: pregnancy 36% > Intercourse on days after ovulation: pregnancy 0
> Intercourse 1-2 d before ovulation: pregnancy 36%
> A few pregnancies resulted from intercourse 3-5 d before ovulation (8% on day 5 before ovulation)
- Thus, some sperms can survive in the female genital tract and fertilize the ovum for up to 120 h before ovulation, but the most fertile period is clearly 48 h before ovulation
(64)
I di ators of Ovulatio …..
A change (usually rise) in
basal body temperature
caused by secretion of progesterone, since
progesterone is thermogenic
- The rise starts 1-2 d after ovulation
- Obtaining an accurate temperature chart should
use a digital thermometer and take oral/rectal
temperatures in the morning before getting out
of bed
- Temperature change at the time of ovulation is
probably caused by the increase in progesterone
secretion
(65)
Basal body temperature and plasma LH and FSH concentrations (mean ± SE) during the normal human menstrual cycle
(66)
Formation of Corpus Luteum
After mature follicle discharges its antral fluid and egg, it collapses around antrum and undergoes rapid transformationGranulosa cells enlarge greatly, and entire glandlike structure formed, known as corpus luteum (CL)
CL secretes estrogen, progesterone, inhibin
If the discharged egg (now in a fallopian tube) is not fertilized, CL reaches its maximum development
within ± 10 days.
CL then rapidly degenerates by apoptosis
It leads to menstruation and beginning of a new menstrual cycle
(67)
Granulosa Cell
Primordial follicles surrounded by a single layer of
granulosa cells
Granulosa cells secrete: - estrogen ,
- small amounts of progesterone just before ovulation
- peptide hormone inhibin
During childhood granulosa cells secrete: - nourishment for ova
(68)
Gra ulosa Cell…..
Further development from primordial follicle stage is characterized by
- an increase in size of oocyte
- a proliferation of granulosa cells into multiple layers - separation of oocyte from inner granulosa cells by a
thick of material: zona pellucida
Granulosa cells produce one or more factors that act on primary oocytes to maintain them in meiotic arrest
(69)
Gra ulosa Cell…..
Inner layer of granulosa cells remains closely
associated with oocyte by means of
cytoplasmic processes
that
traverse zona
pellucida
and form
gap junctions
with oocyte
Nutrients and chemical messengers
are passed
to oocyte through gap junctions
Granulosa cells produce one or more factors
that act on primary oocytes
to maintain them
in meiotic arrest
(70)
Theca Formation
As follicle grows by mitosis of granulosa cells,
connective tissue cells surrounding granulosa
cells differentiate and form layers known as
theca
Shortly
after theca formation
,
-
Primary oocyte
reaches
full size
(115
m in
diameter)
-
Antrum
(fluid-filled space) begins to for in
the midst of granulosa cells as result of fluid
they secrete
(71)
Illustration of an ovary shows sequential development of follicle, the formation of corpus luteum and follicular atresia
(72)
Process of Atresia
Atresia is not limited to just antral follicles, follicles
can undergo atresia
at any stage
This process is already occurring
in utero
so that
the 2-4 million follicles and eggs are present at
birth represent only a small fraction of those
present at earlier time in the fetus
Atresia then
continues all through pubertal life
so
that only 200,000-400,000 follicles remain when
active reproductive life begins.
(73)
Pro ess of Atresia…..
Therefore, 99,99 % of ovarian
follicles present at birth will
undergo atresia
(74)
Sites of Synthesis of Ovarian Hormone
Estrogen is synthesized and released into blood:
- during follicular phase mainly by granulosa cells
- after ovulation, by CL
Progesterone is synthesized and released into
blood:
- in very small amounts by granulosa and theca
cells just before ovulation
- major source is CL (after ovulation)
Inhibin is synthesized and released into blood:
- by granulosa cells
(75)
Interactions between theca and granulosa cells in estradiol synthesis and secretion
(76)
(77)
Ovarian Cycle
1. The follicular phase:
- ovarian follicle growth
- ovulation
2. The luteal phase:
(78)
Uterine Cycle
1. Proliferative phase:
-
estrogen
estrogen phase
-
before ovulation
2. Secretory phase:
-
progesterone
progestational phase
-
after ovulation
3. Menstruation
(79)
Relative concentrations of anterior pituitary gland hormones (FSH – LH) and ovarian Hormones (estrogen – progesterone) during a normal female sexual cycle. Note the relationship of the hormones to the ovarian and uterine cycles
(80)
(81)
Cyclical Changes in Cervix
The mucosa of cervix does not undergo cyclicaldesquamation
There are regular changes in cervical mucus:
- Estrogen makes the mucus thinner, watery, and more
alkali e → pro otes the survival a d tra sport of sper s - At the time of ovulation the mucus is:
> thinnest and fern-like pattern on slide
> its elasti ity i reases → a drop a e stret hed i to a long (8 - ≥ , a d thi thread
- Progesterone makes the mucus thick, tenacious, and cellular
- After ovulation and during pregnancy: thick, no pattern
(82)
Microscopic of patterns formed of cervical mucus on dried smeared slide. Progesterone makes the mucus thick and cellular.
In anovulatory, no progesterone is present to inhibit fern-like pattern
Estrogen:
fern-like pattern
Estrogen,
no progesterone: Fern-like pattern Progesterone:
(83)
Cyclical Changes in Vagina
Under influence of estrogen:
- the vaginal epithelium becomes cornified that
can be identified in the vaginal smear
Under influence of progesterone:
- secretion of thick mucus
- the vaginal epithelium proliferates and
becomes infiltrated with leukocytes
The cyclical changes in vaginal smear in rats are
relatively marked; in humans and other species
are similar, but not so clear cut
(84)
Cyclical Changes in Breast
Although lactation normally does not occur until the end of pregnancy, cyclical changes take place in the breasts during the menstrual cycle
Estrogens cause proliferation of mammary ducts Progesterone causes: growth of lobules and alveoli
The breast swelling, tenderness, and pain experienced by many women during the 10 day preceding
e struatio ← due to diste tio of the du ts,
hyperemia, and edema of the breast interstitial tissue All the changes regress along with symptoms, during menstruation
(85)
Normal Menstruation
Menstrual blood is predominantly arterial, only 25% of the blood being of venous origin
Containing tissue debris, prostaglandins, and relatively large amount of fibrinolysin from endometrial tissue
Fi ri olysi lyses lots → o lots i e strual lood
Usual duration is 3-5 d, but 1-8 d can occur normally The average amount of blood lost is 30 ml (range
normally from light spotting – 80 ml)
The amount of blood affected by various factors,
including the thickness of endometrium, medication, and diseases that affect clotting mechanism
(86)
Anovulatory Cycles
Anovulatory cycles are common for the first 12-18 months after menarche and before the onset of menopause
Whe ovulatio does ot o ur → o CL → effe ts of
progesterone on endometrium are absent
Estrogens continue to cause growth, and proliferative endometrium becomes thick enough to break down and begins to slough
The time it takes for bleeding usually < 28 d from the last menstrual period
(87)
(88)
BIOSINTESIS DAN
MEKANISME KERJA
HORMON REPRODUKSI WANITA
Kuliah 3
Rahmatina B. Herman
Bagian Fisiologi
(89)
Ovarian Sex Hormones
Types of ovarian sex hormones:1. Estrogens
The most important of estrogens is estradiol
2. Progestins
The most important of progestins is progesterone Production:
> Non-pregnant: by - ovaries
- adrenal cortices
> Pregnancy: by - ovaries
- placenta
(90)
Ovarian
Se Hor o es…..
Transport to target organ:
> Loosely bound with plasma albumin
> More tightly bound with a beta globulin: sex binding globulin
- specific estrogen-binding globulin
- specific progesterone-binding globulin
Mechanism of action:
> Location of receptors: - Cell interior
> Signal transduction mechanism:
- Receptors directly alter gene transcription
> Only free hormone can diffuse across capillary walls and encounter its target cells
(91)
(92)
Types of Estrogens
Beta-estradiol (17β-estradiol):
- major estrogen
- synthesized by ovaries
- strength: 12x estrone and 80x estriol
• Estrone
- by adrenal cortices, ovaries, and some other tissues
• Estriol
- oxidative product from estradiol and estrone - by liver
(93)
Synthesis
Cholesterol
Androstenedione
Testosterone
Estrone
Estradiol
Secreted by Ovaries
Aromatase
(94)
Sy thesis…..
The naturally estrogens (17β-estradiol, estrone, and estradiol) are C18 steroids
The biosynthesis of estrogens depends on the enzyme aromatase (CYP19), which converts testosterone to estradiol and androstenedione to estrone
The reaction of converting androstenedione to estrone also occurs in:
- fat - liver - muscle - brain
(95)
(96)
Synthesis by Ovaries
Estrogen is synthesized and released into blood
- during follicular phase mainly by granulosa cells
- after ovulation by corpus luteum
- during pregnancy by placenta
Granulosa cells require help to produce estrogen
because they are deficient in the enzymes required to produce androgens that are the precursors of estrogen They are aided by theca cells
Requires interplay of both types of follicle cells and both pituitary gonadotropins (FSH and LH)
(97)
Synthesis by
Ovaries…..
Ovarian follicle
(Diffusion) Theca cells
Synthesize androgens
Granulosa cells
Convert androgens to estrogen
(98)
Sy thesis y Ovaries…..
Theca interna cells have many LH receptorsLH acts via cAMP to increase conversion of cholesterol to androstenedione
Theca interna cells supply androstenedione to granulosa cells
Estradiol produced by granulosa cells when provided with androgen and secreted into follicular fluid
Granulosa cells have many FSH receptors
FSH facilitates the secretion of estradiol by acting via cAMP to increase aromatase activity
(99)
(100)
Secretion
Concentration of estradiol in plasma during menstrual cycle is depend on menstrual phase
Almost of this estrogen comes from ovary
Two peaks of secretion occur: one just before ovulation and one during the midluteal phase Estradiol secretion rate is:
- 36 μg/d in the early follicular phase - 380 μg/d just before ovulation
- 250 μg/d during midluteal phase
After menopause estrogen secretion declines to low levels
(1)
(2)
(3)
Development of Brain
At least in some species, the development of the brain as well as the external genitalia is affected by
androgens early in life.
In rats, a brief exposure to androgens during the first few days of life causes the male pattern of sexual
behavior and the male pattern of hypothalamic
control of gonadotropin secretion to develop after
puberty. In the absence of androgens, female pattern develop
In monkeys, similar effects on sexual behavior are produce by exposure to androgens in utero, but the patter of gonadotropin secretion remains cyclical
(4)
Develop e t of Brai …..
In humans, early exposure of female fetuses to
androgens also appears to cause subtle but significant masculinizing effects on behavior
However, women with adrenogenital syndrome due to congenital adrenocortical enzyme deficiency develop normal menstrual cycles when treated with cortisol. Thus, the human, like the monkey, appears to retain
the cyclical pattern of gonadotropin secretion despite exposure to androgens in utero
(5)
(6)