# ROLE OF PLACENTAL LACTOGEN IN FETAL DEVELOPMENT

> **NIH NIH K04** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 1994 · $66,042

## Abstract

Placental lactogen (PL) has direct metabolic and somatotrophic effects in
fetal tissues, suggesting that the hormone plays a role in the control of
fetal growth.  The biological actions of PL in the fetus are medicated
through binding to a distinct and unique PL receptor.  The overall
objective of this proposal is to examine the physiology and regulation of
the PL receptor at the cellular and molecular levels.  The mRNA for the
sheep PL receptor will be characterized using a cDNA probe isolated from a
fetal sheep liver cDNA library.  The levels of PL receptor mRNA in maternal
and fetal sheep tissues will be examined at various stages of pregnancy to
determine whether changes in the binding of PL during development result
from changes in the expression of the PL receptor mRNA.  The regulation of
the PL receptor mRNA by nutritional and hormonal factors will be studied in
fetal and maternal sheep liver in vivo and in ovine fetal hepatocytes in
vitro.  These studies should yield new information regarding the physiology
of the Pl receptor at the molecular level and may help to clarify the
mechanisms by which various hormones and nutrients regulate the expression
of the PL receptor in the pregnant ewe and fetal lamb.  Because PL has
growth-promoting actions in fetal tissues, these studies should also
provide insight into the mechanisms controlling fetal growth in normal and
pathological pregnancies.  In order to conduct studies of the molecular
biology of the PL receptor, I have solicited the assistance of experts with
extensive experience in molecular endocrinology.  In addition, as a major
component of the RCDA, I plan a 15 month sabbatical to obtain training in
the theory and techniques of molecular biology.  An RCDA would provide the
time and opportunity to explore this new area of research and would thereby
enhance my career as an independent investigator in the field of fetal
endocrinology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2194384
- **Project number:** 5K04HD000901-05
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** TP7EK8DZV6N5
- **Principal Investigator:** MICHAEL S. FREEMARK
- **Activity code:** K04 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $66,042
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1990-05-01 → 1995-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2194384

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2194384, ROLE OF PLACENTAL LACTOGEN IN FETAL DEVELOPMENT (5K04HD000901-05). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2194384. Licensed CC0.

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