What is hPL?

What is hPL?

• A. Aka human placental lactogen; produced by the placenta; critical for fetal growth; acts as an insulin antagonist
• B. A hormone produced by the adrenal glands
• C. A hormone produced by fetal liver
• D. A hormone that promotes insulin sensitivity in maternal tissues

Answer: (A)

Human placental lactogen is a placental hormone that helps ensure fetal growth by altering maternal metabolism. It is produced by the placenta and rises as pregnancy progresses. Its key action is to antagonize insulin in maternal tissues, which raises maternal blood glucose and promotes lipolysis, making more glucose and fatty acids available to the fetus. This combination supports fetal growth and development. The statement describing this pattern—produced by the placenta and acting as an insulin antagonist—is the best fit for hPL. Other options are not correct because the adrenal glands do not produce hPL, the fetal liver does not produce it, and hPL actually reduces insulin sensitivity rather than promoting it.

Human placental lactogen is a placental hormone that helps ensure fetal growth by altering maternal metabolism. It is produced by the placenta and rises as pregnancy progresses. Its key action is to antagonize insulin in maternal tissues, which raises maternal blood glucose and promotes lipolysis, making more glucose and fatty acids available to the fetus. This combination supports fetal growth and development.

The statement describing this pattern—produced by the placenta and acting as an insulin antagonist—is the best fit for hPL. Other options are not correct because the adrenal glands do not produce hPL, the fetal liver does not produce it, and hPL actually reduces insulin sensitivity rather than promoting it.