Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Kisspeptins (KISS1) and their receptor, KISS-1R, are expressed at higher levels in first trimester placental trophoblast cells than in term gestation. Expression is localised to the trophoblast compartment. In contrast to KISS1 which is only expressed in the villous trophoblast, KISS-1R is also found in the extravillous trophoblast population. Kisspeptins produced by first trimester trophoblast cells inhibited migration. Pre-eclampsia is known to be caused due to d...

Introduction: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) become upregulated very early on in pregnancy and is crucial in maintaining blood pressure. In addition to the peripheral RAS there is a uteroplacental RAS, which is also important in regulating placental function and development. Recent work has shown extra-renal sodium storage in the skin; it is suggested that the placenta may also function as a salt sensing organ and is important in regulating maternal blood pressure.<p c...

Background: Size at birth has been shown to have important consequences on later health, including the development of the metabolic syndrome. Tissue sensitivity to cortisol is regulated, in part, by the GCR and alterations in GCR expression have been observed in obesity and type 2 diabetes.Objectives: To examine whether birth weight influences the expression of GCR mRNA in skeletal muscle (SM) at days 7 and 14 of postnatal life.Met...