We have used instant thin-layer chromatography and radioimmunoassay to measure the concentrations of total cortisone (E) and cortisol (F) in the fetal and maternal compartments of the rabbit. The concentration of F in fetal blood increased markedly at day 25; this is just prior to the rapid increase in the surfactant phospholipids in lung tissue in this species. This increase coincided with a peak in the concentration of E and F in the maternal blood and may reflect the maternal levels. There was no ‘surge’ in the concentration of total F in fetal blood at term. The concentration of E in fetal blood varied between 5 and 15 ng/ml during this last stage of gestation, hence providing ready substrate for the 11β-reductase present in lung and other tissues. The concentration of E and F in maternal blood was significantly higher and more variable than that in blood from nonpregnant female rabbits, and there was a pronounced peak in concentration at day 30 (term: 31 days). The concentrations of both E and F in amniotic fluid were lower than those in either maternal or fetal blood until day 30 when the concentration of F increased fivefold to 19.2 ± 2.58 (mean ± SEM of 6 samples).

Keywords:
Amniotic fluid, Corticoids, Fetus, Pregnancy, Rabbit
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1980 S. Karger AG, Basel
1980
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.