Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Aspects of placental growth hormone physiology

2006; Elsevier BV; Volume: 16; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.ghir.2006.03.010

1532-2238

Jens Fuglsang, Per Ovesen,

Birth, Development, and Health

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.