Question

A newly discovered toxin is known to impact female fertility. It acts to block hormones from binding to plasma membrane receptors. Which statement would be correct?

A. it likely acts on gonadotropin producing cells of the posterior pituitary

B. it could act at theca cells of the primary follicle

C. it might act on the granulosa cells to alter hormone production

D. it would directly affect estrogen’s ability to cause mitosis

Answer 1

B. it could act at theca cells of the primary follicle

explanation: As the drug acts by binding to receptor on the cell membrane. It must be peptide hormone. Gonadotropins are the peptide hormones that have impact on the female fertility.

FSH stimulates the growth and maturation of immature oocytes into mature (Graafian) follicles before ovulation. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a gonadotropin synthesized and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in response to GnRH. When follicle maturation is complete, an LH surge triggers ovulation.

Theca cells are the endocrine cells associated with ovarian follicles that play an essential role in fertility by producing the androgen substrate required for ovarian estrogen biosynthesis.

Theca cells produce androgens in response to luteinizing hormone (LH). Granulosa cells respond to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).