[Influence of placental protein hormones on maternal physiology].

Our data have demonstrated that maternal LH and FSH are repressed throughout pregnancy. Beside, we have discovered and characterized a variant placental GH. Our studies on the mechanism of anovulation and on pituitary GH suppression and GH physiology in pregnant women have contributed to demonstrate the autonomy of the fetoplacental unit and its effects on maternal anabolism and physiology. More specifically, human placental GH, coded by the GH-V gene appears responsible for the anabolic and somatotropic effects mediated by SM-C in the mother. The beneficial aspect of this mechanism for the species appears likely since placental tissues in which the GH-PL genes are deleted, express alternative gene(s) resulting in the production of a placental variant closely related or identical to pituitary 22K GH.