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Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
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Which of the following is structurally similar to growth hormone?
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The correct answer is  Human placental lactogen (hPL), also known as human chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS), is a 191-amino acid protein hormone. It is produced by the syncytiotrophoblast. It is structurally similar to GH and prolactin. Functions of the hPL are similar to those of GH and prolactin, to some extent. hPL is detectable in maternal serum by 3 weeks of gestation. Its levels are directly related to the size of the placenta; as the placenta grows during pregnancy, hPL secretion also increases. hPL is protein anabolic and lipolytic, like GH. On energy metabolism, hPL action is antagonistic to insulin. It inhibits maternal glucose uptake and utilization. Increased serum glucose increases fetal glucose availability.