Abstract
During gestation human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is secreted in an initial rise to maintain corpus luteum function. In early pregnancy, also spontaneous pulsatile hCG secretion regulated by a GnRH-like compound of placental origin has been described. -Question: Are there metabolic influences which regulates hCG release?
Methods: Explants of human term placenta (500 mg) were perifused in 1 ml chambers (ACUSYST, Endotronics) with a flow rate of 100 ul medium 199/min. The glucose concentrations were changed from 5.55 to 0 mmol/l resp. 16.0 to 5.55 mmol/l in pulses of 16 min. The experiments lasted for 5 hours. HCG was measured every 4 min by IRMA.
Results: 1. In hypoglycemic conditions, the lowered glucose concentration was followed by significant peaks (PULSAR analysis) of hCG reaching more than 40.9±25.2 % (mean + SD) of basal level (duration 6.1±1.8 min) (n=13). 2. Repeated lowering of glucose (max. 3 times) showed corresponding hCG bursts (height: 16 - 168 mlU/ml). 3. Decreasing glucose concentrations in -erifusate per se were answered by elevated hCG bursts (n=3).
Conclusion: In vitro, human placenta reacts to diminished glucose supply with increased hCG release. This does not seem to be due to a total lack of fuel.-Supp. by DFG (Hel107/2-3)
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Henrichs, I., Rossmanith, W., Benz, R. et al. 46 HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN RELEASE BY HUMAN TERM PLACENTA IS DYNAMICALLY REGULATED BY GLUCOSE. Pediatr Res 28, 284 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199009000-00070
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199009000-00070