Relaxin and Related Peptides: Fourth International Conference, Volume 1041ISBN: 978-1-57331-485-5
Paperback
544 pages
June 2005, Wiley-Blackwell
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In pigs, rats, and mice, relaxin promotes growth and softening
of the cervix, enabling rapid and safe delivery of the fetuses. In
these species relaxin also promotes growth and development of the
mammary apparatus.
Recently, biological effects of relaxin in the heart, kidney,
liver, and brain have been identified, and these discoveries have
triggered additional interest in possible clinical applications for
relaxin. In 2002, a second form of relaxin, which is found
primarily in the brain, was discovered.
Relaxin-like factor (also called insulin 3), which was
discovered in 1993, is produced in the fetal testis and plays a
major role in testicular descent during development. The recent
identification of the receptors for both relaxin and relaxin-like
factor has enabled more rigorous studies of the target tissues and
mechanisms of action of these hormones.
This volume contains a description of recent advances and future
research and clinical possibilities in the field of relaxin and
related peptides.
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