Ghrelin in pregnancy and lactation.

Full Abstract

Ghrelin and its receptors are found in the reproductive organs and in the placenta, clearly indicating a role for ghrelin in reproduction. Circulating ghrelin levels peak at mid-gestation, then with advancing gestational age declining ghrelin levels are observed. At the same time the maternal organism increases its fat mass, becomes insulin resistant and the growth hormone (GH) axis is dominated by placental growth hormone circulating in concentrations comparable to GH levels observed in acromegaly. After delivery, normalization of ghrelin levels occurs before the maternal fat mass is restored at prepregnant levels. The physiological course of ghrelin during the three trimesters of human pregnancy is discussed, as are the physiological roles ghrelin may subserve. Regulation of maternal energy intake may be the prevailing effect of ghrelin in pregnancy and lactation, but several other effects of ghrelin may coexist, including local effects. Finally, ghrelin secretion in the fetus is briefly discussed.

Author information

Author/s: Fuglsang, Jens (J);

Affiliation: Gynaecological/Obstetrical Research Laboratory, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby Hospital, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Vitamins and hormones (Vitam Horm), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-; vol 77 (issue ) : pp 259-84

Dates: Created 2007/11/06; Completed 2008/02/01;

PMID: 17983860, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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