Development of the porcine gastric proteases (chymosin, pepsin A, B and C) has been studied in the fetal pig in the last third of gestation (term 115 days). The possibility that the prepartum rise in circulating cortisol is involved in gastric maturation was investigated by infusing immature fetuses with cortisol (osmotic minipumps implanted at 82-90 days of gestation). Concentrations of prochymosin in fundic tissue and stomach contents increased before term, correlated positively with logio plasma cortisol values (r = 0.68-0.76, p < 0.001), and were stimulated by cortisol infusion (p < 0.001). The pH of stomach contents decreased (from pH 7 to 3), correlated negatively with logio plasma cortisol values (r = -0.69, p < 0.001), and was reduced by cortisol infusion (p < 0.05). Only trace amounts of pepsinogens could be detected in fetal pigs. By immunohistochemistry, it was shown that cortisol increased the number and distribution of prochymosin-containing cells in the fundic gland. Stimulating effects were also observed for the small populations of pepsinogen-reactive cells present in some of the fetal pigs. The results suggest that endogenous cortisol stimulates the rise in prochymosin synthesis and secretion together with increased gastric acidity in the prenatal period of the pig.

This content is only available via PDF.
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.