BMS 300 Lecture Notes - Lecture 26: Somatic Cell, Prolactin, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Document Summary
Sperm still matures as it goes through the female reproductive tract. Maternal recognition of pregnancy releases hcg so that the corpus luteum does not go away. Years ago, to tell if a woman was pregnant they would inject urine into a mouse or rabbit (injecting with hcg), and it would force the mouse to ovulate due to lh. Placenta takes over for the corpus luteum in the production of progesterone and estrogen. No mixing of blood, but exchange of material. Regulation of uterine contractions by oxytocin and prostaglandins in labor in humans. Oxytocin and prostaglandins promote uterine contractions in labor. Estrogens are important in promoting increased prostaglandin production. There are a number of positive feedback loops that reinforce contractile activity. Uterine contractions become progressively stronger, more coordinated, and directional as labor progresses. Estrogen from placenta starts acting on uterine wall and causes contraction. Right around the time of birth, progesterone receptors become less receptive.
