lactogen

(noun)

human placental lactogen (HPL), also called human chorionic somatomammotropin (HCS), is a polypeptide placental hormone. Its structure and function is similar to that of human growth hormone. It modifies the metabolic state of the mother during pregnancy to facilitate the energy supply of the fetus.

Related Terms

Examples of lactogen in the following topics:

  • Metabolic Changes

    • Changes are caused by steroid hormones, lactogen, and cortisol.
    • This is likely due to pregnancy related factors such as the presence of human placental lactogen that interferes with susceptible insulin receptors.

  • Placenta

    • Human placental lactogen is lactogenic and promotes mammary gland growth in preparation for lactation in the mother.

  • Other Hormone-Producing Structures

    • The placenta endocrine function in humans, aside from serving as the conduit for oxygen and nutrients for the fetus, secretes hormones that are important during pregnancy, such as human chorionic gonadotropin, human placental lactogen, estrogen, and progesterone.

  • Physiology of Lactation

    • At birth, prolactin levels remain high, while the delivery of the placenta results in a sudden drop in progesterone, estrogen, and human placental lactogen levels.

  • Physiological Changes

    • Human placental lactogen (HPL) is produced by the placenta, stimulating lipolysis and fatty acid metabolism by the woman and conserving blood glucose for use by the fetus.