Effect of ionic environment on the release of human placental lactogen in vitro

Short-term incubation of human placental tissue in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffered media with various concentrations of K+ and Ca2+ showed a graded response in human placental lactogen (HPL) release at different Ca2+ concentrations, but no effect at increased K+ concentration. Media with high Ca2+ caused an inhibition of release, while Ca2+-free media caused a stimulation in HPL release. High concentrations of Mg2+ inhibited release minimally, while Ba2+ had no effect. There was no change in HPL release of HPL but the significance of this effect is unknown. These results suggest that Ca2+ is not required for HPL secretion from placental tissue. It seems that HPL secretion in vitro does not follow the usual pattern where a physiological stimulus or high K+ concentration causes inward movement of calcium which couples stimulation to secretion.