Background information
Placental lactogens, also referred to as chorionic somatomammotropin hormones, are protein hormones. They are produced in the mammalian placenta and are similar in structure and function to growth hormones. Together, placental lactogens and growth factors play an essential role to assure successful lactation after pregnancy. Placental lactogens also modify the metabolic state of the mother during pregnancy to supply energy to the fetus. Placental lactogen I is a member of the somatotropin/prolactin family of hormones. The proteins in this family are crucial in mammalian growth control. Placental lactogen I is expressed primarily during mid-pregnancy, and it has been reported that DNA methylation regulates its tissue expression in rats. Placental lactogen II is expressed later in pregnancy and, in mice, its secretion is regulated by the inhibitory control of GH, the concentration of which increases rapidly at the beginning of the last half of pregnancy.
