title: [The endocrinology of the human placenta].
abstract: The human placenta performs various, important functions essential for the maintenance of pregnancy and development of the fetus. Its secretory diversity surpasses any of the other endocrine organs. The placenta is provided with precursors of hormones by the mother as well as by the fetus. It synthesizes and secretes steroid and protein hormones, growth factors, cytokines. The paper is the review of the present knowledge of steroid hormones (progesterone, estrogens), in particular their synthesis and functions in fetoplacental unit. The protein hormones (chorionic gonadotropin, placental lactogen) are also discussed. The last findings concerning placental gonadotropin-releasing hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, leptin, activin, inhibin, follistatin and urocortin are presented. The endocrinology of the placenta is considered to be a progressive field of science. The performed studies elucidate the role of the newly identified hormones in the placenta. It is believed, that research on endocrinology of the placenta contributes to the development of perinatology and, moreover, they improve the prenatal care.
authors.affiliation: Katedry i Kliniki Endokrynologii Ginekologicznej Slaskiej Akademii Medycznej w Katowicach.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Skałba
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dabkowska-Huć
authors.forename: Zbigniew
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Chełmicki
mesh_terms: D028341:Activins / Q000378:metabolism; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000378:metabolism; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D038681:Follistatin / Q000378:metabolism; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000378:metabolism; D020738:Leptin / Q000378:metabolism; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism*; D010928:Placental Lactogen / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism; D054832:Urocortins
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D004967:Estrogens; D038681:Follistatin; D006728:Hormones; D020738:Leptin; D054832:Urocortins; D028341:Activins; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D011374:Progesterone; D007265:Inhibins; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D010928:Placental Lactogen