Human placental lactogen (hPL) is secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast in increasing amounts throughout pregnancy. Its primary metabolic actions include:

• A Stimulation of maternal insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake
• B Anti-insulin action producing maternal insulin resistance and lipolysis, sparing glucose for the fetus ✓
• C Direct stimulation of fetal pancreatic beta cell proliferation
• D Maintenance of the corpus luteum until week 12

Explanation

hPL has growth hormone-like, anti-insulin effects: it reduces maternal glucose utilisation, promotes lipolysis, and increases free fatty acids, creating a glucose-sparing effect that diverts nutrients to the fetus. This insulin resistance contributes to gestational diabetes in susceptible women. Corpus luteum maintenance is the role of hCG, not hPL, and hPL acts on maternal metabolism rather than directly on fetal tissues.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.