Flashcard for reproductive hormone

### **Estrogen**

1. **Synthesis Site**

- Mainly synthesized in the ovaries and liver.

2. **Metabolism**

- Converted to glucuronide and sulfate conjugates in the liver.

- Excreted in urine; also undergoes enterohepatic circulation.

3. **Secretion Pathway**

- Secreted in bile and reabsorbed into the bloodstream.

4. **Mode of Action (MOA) During Puberty**

- Female secondary sex characteristics development.

- Proliferation of mammary ducts and reproductive tract maturation.

5. **Systemic Effects**

- Modulates bone density, cardiovascular system, and mood.

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### **Progesterone**

6. **Indicates Ovulation**

- Surge follows LH peak; secreted by corpus luteum and placenta.

7. **Metabolism**

- Converted to pregnanediol in the liver; excreted in urine as glucuronic acid conjugates.

8. **Target Organs**

- Uterus: Induces secretory phase in the endometrium.

- Cervix: Thickens mucus, inhibiting ferning caused by estrogen.

9. **Role in Pregnancy**

- Anti-estrogenic effect on myometrium, reducing oxytocin sensitivity.

10. **Effects on Breast Tissue**

- Promotes growth of lobules and alveoli.

11. **Thermogenic Effect**

- Causes a rise in basal body temperature at ovulation.

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### **Testosterone**

12. **Synthesis Site**

- Synthesized in Leydig cells and from adrenal cortex androstenedione.

13. **Plasma Binding**

- 98% bound to protein (65% to gonadal steroid-binding globulin, 33% to albumin).

14. **Metabolism**

- Converted to estradiol or androsterone; excreted in urine.

15. **Effects During Development**

- Maturation of Wolffian ducts (internal male genitalia).

16. **DHT-Specific Effects**

- External genitalia enlargement, facial hair growth, and acne.

17. **Anabolic Effects**

- Increases muscle mass, sodium retention, and kidney size.

18. **Spermatogenesis Role**

- Testosterone concentration maintained by ABP from Sertoli cells.

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### **Inhibins and Activins**

19. **Inhibins**

- Inhibit FSH secretion via direct pituitary action.

- Inhibin B regulates FSH in adults; secreted by Sertoli and granulosa cells.

20. **Activins**

- Stimulate FSH secretion; exact role not fully understood.

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### **Relaxin**

21. **Production Sites**

- Corpus luteum, uterus, placenta, mammary glands in women; prostate gland in men.

22. **Pregnancy Effects**

- Relaxes pubic symphysis, softens cervix, and inhibits uterine contractions.

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### **Estrogen Receptors**

23. **Types**

- ERα (chromosome 6) and ERβ (chromosome 14).

24. **Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)**

- Tamoxifen and others mimic estrogen selectively for therapeutic use.

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### **Progesterone Receptors**

25. **Types**

- PRA and PRB; bound to heat shock protein until activated by progesterone.

26. **Mechanism of Action**

- Receptor activation induces mRNA synthesis and cellular changes.

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### **Testosterone and DHT Mechanism**

27. **Receptor Binding**

- Testosterone and DHT bind the same intracellular receptor; DHT has higher affinity.

28. **Gene Activation**

- Steroid-receptor complex facilitates gene transcription.

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### **Abnormalities of Function**

29. **Testicular Estrogen Production**

- Occurs via aromatization in Leydig and Sertoli cells.

30. **Testosterone Regulation**

- Systemic testosterone inhibits LH, reducing spermatogenesis