Unit information: Neuroendocrinology and Fertility in 2011/12

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Unit name Neuroendocrinology and Fertility
Unit code ANAT32125
Credit points 20
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Tortonese
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None.
Co-requisites

None
School/department School of Anatomy
Faculty Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will examine neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in the control of fertility. Study of the general organisation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian axis will be followed by consideration of hypothalamic regulation of fertility and the effects of photoperiod on the modulation of fertility by prolactin.

Aims:

The aim of this unit is to develop an understanding of the anatomy and endocrinology of fertility. We will examine the control of fertility from the level of the pituitary gland, covering the integration of neuroendocrine, endocrine and paracrine signals controlling LH and FSH release from the gonadotroph cell.

Intended Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the functioning of the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian axis
  • Understand the organisation of GnRH neurones, the functional significance of their relationship with other neuronal networks, and the role of GnRH pulsatility in the control of gonadotrophin secretion
  • Understand the histology and cytology of the pituitary gland
  • Understand the neuroendocrine, endocrine and paracrine regulation of gonadotrophin secretion
  • Be able to describe the endocrine changes that take place during menstrual and oestrous cycles
  • Understand the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of photoperiod on reproduction
  • Be able to critically evaluate experimental evidence concerning the roles of melatonin and prolactin in the photoperiodic control of fertility

Teaching Information

Lectures and seminars

Assessment Information

Summative: 3-hour Sessional examination: 100%. Section A: 1.5 hour essay on integrative content of seminars; Section B: 1.5 hour essay on data interpretation and/or method analysis.

Reading and References

A list of papers and other readings will be provided in class.

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