Abstract
This chapter discusses the similarities and differences between hypophyseal somatotropin (STH) and the placental protein. It also discusses the radioimmunological methods developed for assaying human placental lactogen (HPL). Increasingly precise information has become available, beginning with the studies of Josimovich and McLaren in 1962, regarding the placental secretion of a protein presenting certain of the immunological and biological properties of STH. This protein is generally called HPL. HPL is found in the blood and mine of the mother as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy. During pregnancy, elevated concentrations of the placental factor are found in the serum and urine. HPL can be detected around the 60th day following the last menstrual period and disappears rapidly, 4–8 days, after delivery. This suggests that HPL may play an endocrinological role in pregnant women, such as stimulation of the secretion of the corpus luteum during the first few weeks of pregnancy, stimulation of secretion of the placental trophoblastic elements, and preparation for lactation.
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