Select the correct option describing gonadotropin activity in a norma...
High level of hCG stimulates the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone.Introduction
During pregnancy, the production and release of hormones play a crucial role in maintaining the pregnancy and supporting the growth and development of the fetus. Gonadotropins, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), are hormone regulators involved in this process.
Role of gonadotropins in pregnancy
Gonadotropins have specific functions during pregnancy:
1. FSH and LH:- FSH stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles, which contain eggs.
- LH triggers ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary.
- These hormones are primarily involved in the menstrual cycle and fertility, but their levels decrease during pregnancy.
2. hCG:- hCG is a hormone produced by the placenta after implantation of the embryo.
- Its levels rise rapidly in early pregnancy and peak around 8-10 weeks.
- hCG plays a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy and supporting the development of the fetus.
Functions of hCG in pregnancy
1. Stimulation of estrogen and progesterone synthesis:
- hCG stimulates the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine gland in the ovary, to produce estrogen and progesterone.
- Estrogen and progesterone are essential for maintaining the pregnancy by supporting the growth and development of the fetus.
- They also help in the development of the mammary glands in preparation for lactation.
2. Suppression of immune response:
- hCG helps suppress the mother's immune system, preventing rejection of the embryo/fetus as a foreign body.
- This immune suppression is crucial for maintaining a successful pregnancy.
3. Detection in pregnancy tests:
- hCG is the hormone detected in pregnancy tests, as its levels increase significantly after implantation of the embryo.
- The presence of hCG in urine or blood confirms pregnancy.
Conclusion
In a normal pregnant female, a high level of hCG stimulates the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone, which are crucial for maintaining pregnancy and supporting the growth and development of the fetus. The other gonadotropins, FSH and LH, have reduced levels during pregnancy and are not directly involved in these processes.