Roles of Hormones

a) Explain the role of hormones during pregnancy b) Explain the role of hormones during parturition / birth process c) Explain the role of hormones during lactation

THE ROLE OF HORMONES DURING PREGNANCY

Hormonal changes during 1st trimester The chorion secretes hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) which maintains the corpus luteum, ensuring secretion of progesterone & estrogens-absence of this hormonal override during pregnancy-resulting in menstruation & loss of the embryo HCG level is so high & some is excreted in urine-its presence is the basis of a common early pregnancy test Progesterone - initiates increased mucus in the cervix ( forming a protective plug ); - stimulates growth of the maternal portion of placenta; - maintains the endometrium; - prevents ovulation & menstrual cycling; - stimulates breasts enlargement

CHAPTER : REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

THE ROLE OF HORMONES DURING PREGNANCY

Estrogens are important for development of uterus, foetus & mammary glands Starting at week 5, the chorion secretes hCG which stimulates: - secretion of estrogens & progesterone by corpus luteum; - entry of amino acids into cells of embryo ( for protein synthesis ); - development of mammary glands; - glucose & lipid metabolisms in the mother

CHAPTER : REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

THE ROLE OF HORMONES DURING PREGNANCY

Hormonal changes during 2nd trimester hCG level declines & corpus luteum deteriorates Placenta secretes own progesterone & estrogens ( maintaining pregnancy ) Hormonal changes during 3rd trimester Estrogens reach highest level during last weeks of pregnancy This will induce the birth process

CHAPTER : REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

THE ROLE OF HORMONES DURING PARTURITION / BIRTH PROCESS During pregnancy, progesterone & estrogens are secreted High level of progesterone prevents contractions of uterus ( prevents birth of immature baby ) But estrogens reach highest level during last weeks of pregnancy This triggers formation of oxytocin receptors on uterus Oxytocin - secreted by foetus & mothers posterior pituitary - stimulates contractions of uterus - stimulates placenta to secrete prostaglandins

Prostaglandins enhance contractions of uterus The contractions stimulate release of more oxytocin & prostaglandins ( +ve feedback ) Contractions become stronger & more frequent
CHAPTER : REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

THE ROLE OF HORMONES DURING PARTURITION / BIRTH PROCESS

Feedback mechanism
CHAPTER : REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

PARTURITION / BIRTH PROCESS Parturition ( birth process ) occurs as a result of the strong, rhythmic contractions ( labour ) 3 stages of parturition: i. dilation of cervix - opening up & thinning of cervix - ending with complete dilation - amnion ruptures - contractions get stronger

CHAPTER : REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

PARTURITION / BIRTH PROCESS ii. delivery of baby - continuous strong contractions force foetus down and out of the uterus & vagina - aided by mothers pushing - the umbilical cord is then cut and clamped

CHAPTER : REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

PARTURITION / BIRTH PROCESS iii. delivery of placenta - continuing contraction expel the placenta & associated membranes ( the afterbirth )

CHAPTER : REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

THE ROLE OF HORMONES DURING LACTATION

Milk production that occurs in the mammary glands

An aspect of postnatal care unique to mammals

The breasts contain mammary glands

Alveoli of mammary glands will produce milk, that is secreted into mammary ducts which open at the nipple
During pregnancy, progesterone stimulates development of mammary alveoli Estrogens stimulate development of mammary ducts

CHAPTER : REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

THE ROLE OF HORMONES DURING LACTATION

CHAPTER : REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

THE ROLE OF HORMONES DURING LACTATION

When placenta is discharged after birth, levels of estrogens & progesterone decrease This allows mothers anterior pituitary to secrete prolactin { no lactation during pregnancy since prolactin secretion is inhibited }

Prolactin stimulates mammary alveoli to produce milk ( ~ 2 days after birth )

Mammary secretion for first few days is the colostrum ( thick, yellowish fluid with high protein content & rich in maternal antibodies-IgG)

CHAPTER : REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

THE ROLE OF HORMONES DURING LACTATION

Suckling of baby stimulates the nerve endings in the nipples to send signals which trigger anterior pituitary to release more prolactin The signals also trigger posterior pituitary to release oxytocin Oxytocin stimulates contraction of smooth muscles surrounding mammary glands, thus controlling release of milk

CHAPTER : REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT