Question

Conceptually, what effect do you think removing the anterior pituitary would have on the secretion of progesterone after implantation is well established? Explain why.

Answer 1

Gonadotrophs of anterior pituitary secretes gonadotropins i.e Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH). LH causes secretion of progesterone from corpora lutea. Progesterone is necessary for maintenance of pregnancy because progesterone provides supportive environment for developing fetus and also keeps on nurturing fetus throughout the pregnancy. Initially for the eight to ten weeks of pregnancy the ovaries secretes pregnancy and after that secretion of progesterone takes place from placenta. Hence, when anterior pituitary is removed then there will be no secretion of LH which in turn will lead to decreased secretion of progesterone which might lead to fetus death or miscarriage.