HPL ELISA from BIOSERV Diagnostics
HPL (human placental lactogen) is synonymous with HCS (human chorionic somatotropin). HPL is one of the two proteohormones synthetized in the placenta and secreted into the maternal circulation whose task is to maintain the pregnancy, the other placental proteohormone being HCG (human chorionic gonadotropine).
The determination of HPL is indicated for the monitoring of cases of suspected disturbances during the early period of pregnancy and for the monitoring of the placental function during the late period of risk pregnancies.
With the BIOSERV HPL Serum ELISA human placenal lactogen is detected in human serum.
This HPL test from BIOSERV is a ready-to-use kit.
To order the test please refer to the BIOSERV catalogue number BS - 85 - 24
For further information please send us an e-mail: info@bioserv-diagnostics.com
EU registration number DE/CA80/IVD1769
Detailed information on the HPL ELISA from BIOSERV Diagnostics
HPL (human placental lactogen) is synonymous with HCS (human chorionic somatotropin). HPL is one of the two proteohormones synthetized in the placenta and secreted into the maternal circulation whose task is to maintain the pregnancy, the other placental proteohormone being HCG (human chorionic gonadotropine). The function of HPL seems to be to mobilize maternal glucose, fatty acids and ketone bodies for the provision of the growing fetus, furthermore HPL has mammo- and lactotropic effects.
HPL is an unglycosylated polypeptide with a molecular weight of 21.5 KDa, consisting of 191 amino acids. HPL is synthetized and secreted into the maternal circulation by the syncytiotrophoblast. The HPL concentration in the maternal serum culminates in about the 36th week of gestation and slightly decreases before delivery. In the late phase of the gestation period the concentration of HPL in the maternal serum directly correlates with the weight of the placenta.
As biological activities HPL manifests lactogenic and somatotropic effects, an influence on the carbohydrate and the lipid metabolism and immunosuppressive effects. The main physiological function is still unclear. The half-life of HPL in maternal serum is very short, it comes to only 20 to 30 minutes, so a change in the rate of production/secretion can be detected very quickly.
A decreased serum concentration of HPL is pathognomonic for a malfunction of the placenta which may cause an intrauterine growth retardation, an intrauterine death of the fetus or an imminent miscarriage. Especially pregnant women suffering from hypertonia show low serum concentrations of HPL. Because of the short biological half-life of HPL in serum the determination of HPL always gives a very actual picture of the situation.
Increased serum concentrations of HPL are found in women suffering from Diabetes mellitus and, because of the higher placental mass, in multiple pregnancies.
In contrast to Estriol the HPL concentration only depends on the placental mass the placental function and not on the fetal function. The simultaneous determination of HPL and Estriol can be sensible in the differential evaluation of the placental function.
Fields of application
The HPL Serum ELISA from BIOSERV Diagnostics can be applied in the clinical practice for
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Monitoring of cases of suspected disturbances during the early period of pregnancy
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Monitoring of the placental function during the late period of pregnancy in risk pregnancies
Sample material: serum
Reference value range for the HPL concentration in serum
| Weeks of pregnancy | HPL concentration (mg/l ≡ µg/ml) |
| up to 20 | 0.05 - 1 |
| up to 22 | 1.5 - 3 |
| up to 26 | 2.5 - 5 |
| up to 30 | 4 – 6.5 |
| up to 34 | 5 – 8 |
| up to 38 | 5.5 – 9.5 |
| up to 42 | 5 - 7 |
For further information please send us an e-mail: info@bioserv-diagnostics.com
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