Stimulation of ovine placental transport of calcium and magnesium by mid-molecule fragments of human parathyroid hormone-related protein

Perfusion in situ of the placenta of intact or previously parathyroidectomized fetal lambs has been used to assess the ability of three mid-molecule fragments of the human parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) molecule to stimulate the placental transport of calcium and magnesium. PTHrP(67-86 amide) was most effective but some activity was also shown by PTHrP(75-86 amide) and by PTHrP (75-84) in decreasing order. This placental action of PTHrP(67-86 amide) was rapid and could be observed using the placenta from an intact fetus, whereas it was necessary to use the placenta from a previously parathyroidectomized fetus to demonstrate stimulation of placental calcium transport by PTHrP(1-84). PTHrP(67-86 amide) may resemble the molecule that activates the placental calcium pump.