US EPA

7437319 

Journal Article 

The Roles of Growth Hormone, Prolactin, and Placental Lactogen in Human Fetal Development 

Freemark, M; , 

1999 

Humana Press 

Totowa, NJ 

Molecular and Cellular Pediatric Endocrinology 

57-83 

10.1007/978-1-59259-697-3_5 

http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-1-59259-697-3_5
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Human growth hormone (hGH), human prolactin and human placental lactogen (hPL, also called human chorionic somatomammotropin or hCS) constitute a family of somatogenic and lactogenic polypeptide hormones that have similarities in structure and biological function. With diverse effects on growth factor production, nutrient metabolism, hormone secretion, and mammary function, the somatogens and lactogens play central roles in growth and sexual development, reproduction, immune function, and intermediary metabolism. In the pregnant mother, hGH, human prolactin, and hPL exert effects on insulin production and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism that ensure the delivery of nutrients to the fetus for normal growth and development (1–3). Through induction of maternal IGF-I (4) and other growth factors, hGH may stimulate the growth of maternal tissues, such as the uterus and placenta (5, 6). And through actions on the maternal breast and hypothalamus (7–9), prolactin and hPL may prepare the mother for feeding and caring for her newborn young after birth.