Hormone, Placental Mammotropic

Medical Condition:
Hormone, Placental Mammotropic

A polypeptide hormone secreted by the placenta that enters the maternal circulation and disappears from the circulation immediately after delivery. It has growth-promoting activity, is immunologically similar to human growth hormone, and inhibits maternal insulin activity during pregnancy. By inhibiting glucose oxidation it can increase the glucose supply to a fetus developing in a malnourished mother. (Dorland, 28th ed)