PSL300H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Corpus Luteum, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Chorionic Villi
Document Summary
A 25-year-old woman and her partner have been trying to conceive a baby for 2 years. Tests on the woman show the following at mid cycle: fsh levels 40 miu/ml (normal 1 18 miu/ml) Estradiol levels 100 pmol/l (normal 600 1200 pmol/l) Normal follicle, respond(cid:314) hormone therapy to assist in developing follicle and ovulation. Sperm in semen coated with albumin, enzymes, lipoproteins forms a shield from acidic environment in penis and vagina. Sperm must pass through cervical mucous, uterine cavity and along fallopian tubes approx 30min. In uterus coating removed & changes to cell membrane, increased motility through synchronized movements of head & tail. Uterine & fallopian tube contractions aid transport. About 100 sperm reach head of fallopian tube. Guided to oocyte by chemotaxis (progesterone from corona radiata cells) Enzyme released (cid:314) enable the sperm to go through corona radiata. Factors from corona cells stimulate acrosomal reaction. Enzymes released from acrosome enable sperm to tunnel through corona radiata.
