Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a peptide hormone, originally identified in the brain. Data has shown that it may be produced by the human placenta and may regulate human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which regulates the production of progesterone, which is required for the early maintenance of pregnancy. Studies will examine placental GnRH production and its effect on the production of the hCG. An understanding of this relationship is central to an understanding of the ability of the placenta to regulate its own growth and development, as well as that of the child. Approximately ten percent of all infertility is unexplained, some portion of which may be due to spontaneous abortions due to an inadequate hormonal environment. It is therefore apparent that a better understanding of the hormonal requirements for the maintenance of pregnancy are required.//
