Human placental lactogen (hPL)
Also known as chorionic somatomammotropin, is a hormone produced by the syncytiotrophoblasts of the placenta. It is structurally similar to growth hormone and prolactin and plays a key role in maternal and fetal physiology during pregnancy. Below are the detailed functions and roles of hPL:
hPL alters maternal metabolism to ensure a constant supply of glucose and nutrients for the growing fetus. It has anti-insulin properties, which result in:
- Increased maternal insulin resistance: This raises maternal blood glucose levels, making more glucose available for fetal growth.
- Enhanced lipolysis: hPL promotes the breakdown of maternal fat stores, releasing free fatty acids into the bloodstream, which can be used by the mother for energy, sparing glucose for the fetus.
This metabolic adaptation helps meet the increasing energy demands of the fetus, especially in the second half of pregnancy.
hPL is crucial for fetal growth and development, indirectly supporting the fetus by ensuring a sufficient supply of glucose and nutrients. Though the placenta supplies direct nutrients, hPL helps regulate the maternal environment to optimize nutrient delivery.
hPL contributes to the development of mammary glands during pregnancy, preparing the breasts for lactation. It works alongside prolactin and estrogen in stimulating the growth of the mammary glands.
hPL has growth hormone-like effects, contributing to fetal growth and development by modulating protein synthesis and fat mobilization, though these effects are more pronounced in maternal metabolism than in direct fetal growth.
- Gestational Diabetes: hPL's role in increasing insulin resistance in the mother can contribute to the development of gestational diabetes in susceptible women.
- Indicator of Placental Function: hPL levels can reflect placental function. Low hPL levels may indicate placental insufficiency, which is associated with conditions such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or preeclampsia.
While hPL's primary effects are on maternal metabolism and breast development, its actions support fetal growth by regulating nutrient availability. Any condition that impairs placental function, leading to abnormal hPL levels, may affect fetal growth and development, which has implications in pediatrics, especially in cases of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or poor fetal growth due to placental insufficiency.
hPL is essential in pregnancy to modify maternal metabolism, increase glucose availability to the fetus, and prepare the mammary glands for lactation. Its role in increasing maternal insulin resistance is a key factor in fetal growth and development.
Also known as chorionic somatomammotropin, is a hormone produced by the syncytiotrophoblasts of the placenta. It is structurally similar to growth hormone and prolactin and plays a key role in maternal and fetal physiology during pregnancy. Below are the detailed functions and roles of hPL:
hPL alters maternal metabolism to ensure a constant supply of glucose and nutrients for the growing fetus. It has anti-insulin properties, which result in:
- Increased maternal insulin resistance: This raises maternal blood glucose levels, making more glucose available for fetal growth.
- Enhanced lipolysis: hPL promotes the breakdown of maternal fat stores, releasing free fatty acids into the bloodstream, which can be used by the mother for energy, sparing glucose for the fetus.
This metabolic adaptation helps meet the increasing energy demands of the fetus, especially in the second half of pregnancy.
hPL is crucial for fetal growth and development, indirectly supporting the fetus by ensuring a sufficient supply of glucose and nutrients. Though the placenta supplies direct nutrients, hPL helps regulate the maternal environment to optimize nutrient delivery.
hPL contributes to the development of mammary glands during pregnancy, preparing the breasts for lactation. It works alongside prolactin and estrogen in stimulating the growth of the mammary glands.
hPL has growth hormone-like effects, contributing to fetal growth and development by modulating protein synthesis and fat mobilization, though these effects are more pronounced in maternal metabolism than in direct fetal growth.
- Gestational Diabetes: hPL's role in increasing insulin resistance in the mother can contribute to the development of gestational diabetes in susceptible women.
- Indicator of Placental Function: hPL levels can reflect placental function. Low hPL levels may indicate placental insufficiency, which is associated with conditions such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or preeclampsia.
While hPL's primary effects are on maternal metabolism and breast development, its actions support fetal growth by regulating nutrient availability. Any condition that impairs placental function, leading to abnormal hPL levels, may affect fetal growth and development, which has implications in pediatrics, especially in cases of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or poor fetal growth due to placental insufficiency.
hPL is essential in pregnancy to modify maternal metabolism, increase glucose availability to the fetus, and prepare the mammary glands for lactation. Its role in increasing maternal insulin resistance is a key factor in fetal growth and development.
