HORMONES AND THE PLACENTA

Abstract

The author discusses the extent to which the oestrogenic hormone of the ovary, the hormone of the corpus luteum, and the gonadotropic hormone from the pituitary are found in the placenta, and the evidence bearing upon the problem of whether the placenta manufactures supplemental supplies of them. He considers that the placenta of man is indeed an endocrine organ, controlling gestation, but that the available data are inadequate for proving this in detail. It is still impossible to define precisely the role of the placenta. The subject is treated with some historical perspective and a generous selected bibliography.