The possible transfer of high-specific activity 3H-epinphrine from maternal circulation to the fetal heart was studied. Different hormones were administered to pregnant rats to determine the effects of endocrine function in permeability of catecholaminesthrough the placenta. The perfusion of 60 µ Ci3H-epinephrine to ratspregnant for 21 days resulted in a significant accumulation of the tracer in the fetal heart. This accumulation was markedly declined by pre-administration of progesterone, estrogens, and oxytocin in the pregnant rats and by maternal adrenalectomy or hypophysectomy. Similar treatment produced highly significant increases in the transformation of 3H-epinephrine to 3H-metanephrine and 3H-acid metabolites in the fetal heart. The maximum increases in catecholamine metabolite formation in the fetal heart were observed following maternal adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy. The results suggest that there is an appreciable transfer of catecholamines and their metabolites from the maternal circulation to the fetal heart on the 21st day of pregnancy. The treatment with different hormones modifies this transfer to a significant extent and could be attributed to the direct action of these hormones on catecholamine regulation.

Keywords:
Placental transfer, 3H-epinephrine, Metabolites, Fetus, Metanephrine, Progesterone, Estrogens, Oxytocin, Hypophysectomy, Adrenalectomy
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1974 S. Karger AG, Basel
1974
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.