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Human placental lactogen (hPL) is a hormone produced by the placenta, the organ that develops during pregnancy to help feed the growing baby. This hormone breaks down fats from the mother to provide fuel for the the growing baby. It can lead to insulin resistance and carbohydrate intolerance in the mother.
A test can be done to measure the amount of hPL in the blood. The test is only done on pregnant women.
Alternative NamesHPL; Human chorionic somatomammotropin; HCS
How the test is performedBlood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is needed.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThe test is done to see how well the placenta is functioning.
Normal ValuesA rising HPL value during pregnancy is normal.
What abnormal results meanAbnormal results may be a sign of abnormal (usually insufficient) placenta function.
HPL values are decreased with:
HPL values are increased with:
- Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)
- Placental site trophoblastic tumor
- Intact molar pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Rh incompatibility
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks are rare, but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
The uses of this test are limited to certain rare conditions and medical research.
ReferencesReiter EO, Rosenfeld RG. Normal and aberrant growth. In: Kronenberg HM, Shlomo M, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 23.
Baschat AA, Galan HL, Ross MG, Gabbe SG. Intrauterine growth restriction. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2007:chap 29.
What else can I help you with?
What hormone has the greatest effect on the ductal-lobular-alveolar growth of the breast in pregnancy?
human placental lactogen
What hormone is produced by the blastocyst?
In humans, the outer layer of the blastocyst, called the trophoblast, secretes human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG),human placental lactogen (HPL), and other hormones.
What hormones does a pregnant woman produce?
Estrogen
How is lactation controlled?
It's under hormonal control (which is mostly under brain control). An entire collection of hormones: Progesterone oestrogen follicle stimulating hormone luteinizing hormone prolactin oxytocin Human placental lactogen at least.
Why is placental mammals an ancestor for human and cats?
Human and cat are themselves placental mammals .
Are human placental mammals?
Yes. Placental means to give birth to live young and breast feed babies.
What kind of mammals is human?
A placental, omnivorous mammal.
How do Placental move?
Most placental mammals (such as human beings) have legs, which they use to move around. However, there are many aquatic placental mammals, such as whales, dolphins, seals, walruses etc., which move mainly by swimming. Bats move mainly by flying.
How do dingoes have babies?
They are mammals so they do not have eggs but give birth the same way we do.
Which endocrine gland is a temporary gland?
Placenta-temporary endocrine gland formed during pregnancy. It produces, among other hormones, progesterone, which is important in maintaining the pregnancy; somatomammotropin (also known as placental lactogen), which acts to increase the amount of glucose and lipids in the maternal blood; estrogen; relaxin, and beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-hCG). This results in increased transfer of these nutrients to the fetus and is also the main cause of the increased blood sugar levels seen in pregnancy.
What are synonyms of plantigrade?
A plantigrade is a mammal that walks on the soles of it's feet like a human or a bear. Synonyms are placental or eutherian.
What mammal besides a human has a knee cap?
Most mammals have a patella, the kneecap bone. Marsupials tend not to have them, or have ones made out of cartiligous extensions. But the placental mammals do have them.
