Placenta: an organ with high energy requirements

Placenta is a unique organ, without which the very phenomenon of human pregnancy impossible. Semiallogeneous nature, localization placenta, complex and heterogeneous cellular composition determines its multifaceted role in course physiological pregnancy, indicates importance studying this organ number reproductive pathologies. The purpose review was to analyze literature sources illustrating energydependent processes placental metabolism determine molecular basis energy conversion. Publications foreign Russian authors from PubMed database scientific electronic library eLIBRARY.ru were used when writing review. highlights main functions placenta: transport synthetic terms their place structure expenditure organ. systems by ions gases maternal blood through barrier performed, are considered. placenta synthesis steroid hormones glucocorticoids detailed. bioenergetic also considered: glucose metabolism, functional activity mitochondria creatine kinase system placenta. These data allow us put on par with other organs high requirements (brain, transverse striated skeletal muscles, heart, kidneys, liver), most susceptible metabolic disorders. Maintaining balance between macroergic compounds critical for an adequate imbalances can lead such pathologies as fetal retardation syndrome or preeclampsia. Further study supply seems important understanding mechanisms intrauterine development disorders developing pathogenetic treatment.