Maturation of cytokine receptors in preparation for birth.
The elucidation of the tissue-specific profile of expression of the prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) receptors during embryonic and fetal development in a range of species has provided a new impetus for the delineation of the specific roles of the hormone ligands for these receptors in development. During late gestation, there is a requirement to shift from a phase of predominant cellular proliferation, where placental nutrient supply is a dominant influence on organ and body growth, to one of functional differentiation, which is required for independent homoeostasis after birth. In this review we discuss the interactions between the pre-partum increases in cortisol and thyroid hormones and the synthesis, secretion and actions of fetal PRL and GH. We also review the changes that occur in the tissue-specific expression of the PRL and GH receptors before birth which may play an important role in precocial species in the successful transition of the fetus to extra-uterine life.
McMillen
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IC
Department of Physiology, Adelaide University, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia. caroline.mcmillen@adelaide.edu.au
Houghton
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DC
Phillips
I D
ID
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism*; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000378:metabolism*; D017440:Photoperiod; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D011981:Receptors, Prolactin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011986:Receptors, Somatotropin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D011981:Receptors, Prolactin; D011986:Receptors, Somatotropin; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone