Name the gross anatomical landmarks that define the borders of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.
Name the GnRH- and oxytocin-producing nuclei (hypophysiotropic areas) of the hypothalamus; where do the axons of these neurons terminate?
Describe the embryonic origins of the pituitary gland.
Trace the flow of blood through the hypothalamic-pituitary portal system.
Describe the general concept of altered sensitivity of the hypothalamus to negative steroid hormone feedback as related to transitions in breeding activities.
Familiarize yourself with each of the reproductive hormones: GnRH, PIF, oxytocin, melatonin, FSH, LH, PMSG, hCG, prolactin, inhibin, relaxin, MIH, progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, cortisol; list the respective chemical natures, sites of synthesis, targets, and primary actions.
Define: transcription, translation, post-translational modification; cabergoline, bromocryptine; N-acetyltransferase (NAT)/hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT); receptor-mediated endocytosis; paracrine, autocrine; catecholamine; histamine; endogenous opiate; growth factor; cytokine; calmodulin; RU 486; assay validation criteria (accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity); Scatchard plot.
Outline the steroidogenic pathways via which cholesterol can be converted to estradiol; include enzymes.
Is the (peripheral) metabolic fate of steroid hormones always inactivation? Explain.
Outline the fundamental pathways of eicosanoid biosynthesis; indicate the site of action of NSAIDs. What are the principal roles of prostaglandins in reproduction?
What are the basic structural attributes of gonadotropin and steroid hormone receptors?
Outline the steps by which a typical protein hormone induces genomic expression via the cAMP system; how is this system "turned-off?" Contrast the membrane receptor model with that involving a steroid hormone.
What second messenger molecules are generated from phosphatidylinositol biphosphate hydrolysis?
Describe the theoretical basis underlying the construction of a standard curve used to interpolate hormonal data derived by RIA. What is the significant advantage of an ELISA in comparison to an RIA?