Vrachnis Ν¹, Iliodromiti Ζ², Grigoriadis C¹, Siristatidis C³, Deligeoroglou Ε¹, Creatsas G¹

¹2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieio hospital, Athens, Greece
²Neonatology Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieio hospital, Athens, Greece
³Assisted Reproduction Unit, 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Attiko hospital, Athens, Greece

Correspondence: Vrachnis Nikolaos, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University ofAthens, Aretaieio hospital, 124Β Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, GR-11526, Αthens, Greece

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Abstract

Among the functions of the human placenta, its function as an endocrine organ is crucial, as it results in the production of multiple hormones exerting both endocrine and paracrine roles in the development of the fetus. These hormones, numbering more than thirty, include amines, polypeptides, proteins, glucoproteins, steroid hormones, cytokines and growth factors. Some of them mimic the role of known hypothalamic and pituitary hormones and either regulate the release of regional placental hormones or play specific roles in the maternal / fetal circulation.

Keywords: placenta, hormones, endocrine role, paracrine role, autocrine role, growth factor, human chorionic gonadotropin, prolactin, TSH, endorphins

p. 59-62

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