Aspects of placental growth hormone physiology.
Placental growth hormone (PGH) has been known for 20 years. Nevertheless, its physiology is far from understood. In this review, basal aspects of PGH physiology are summarised and put in relation to the highly homologous pituitary growth hormone (GH). During normal pregnancy, PGH progressively replaces GH and reach maximum serum concentrations in the third trimester. A close relationship to insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and -II levels is observed. Furthermore, PGH levels are positively associated to fetal growth. The potential importance of growth hormone receptors and binding protein for PGH effects is discussed. Finally, the review outlines current knowledge of PGH in pathological pregnancies.
Fuglsang
Jens
J
Gynaecological/Obstetrical Research Laboratory Y, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby Sygehus, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. Fuglsang@ki.au.dk
Ovesen
Per
P
D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D010926:Placental Hormones / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood*; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third / Q000097:blood*; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
C064980:GH2 protein, human; D010926:Placental Hormones; D013006:Growth Hormone