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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
Parturition itself is the basis for fetal adrenal involution.
Shlomit Ben-David1, Nehama Zuckerman-Levin, Monica Epelman
1Department of Neonatology, Meyer Children's Hospital, Haifa 31096, Israel.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 2, 2006
Summary
Newborn infants experience rapid postnatal adrenal gland involution within the first week, leading to decreased androgen levels. This process, driven by parturition, affects hormone secretion and adrenal size, with sex-based differences observed.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neonatal Physiology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Newborn infants exhibit a natural decline in androgen levels post-birth as fetal adrenal glands involute.
- Placental factors are known to enhance dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) production during gestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the timing and characteristics of fetal adrenal involution in premature neonates.
- To determine the impact of parturition on dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), androstenedione, and cortisol levels.
- To assess changes in adrenal gland volume and hormonal secretion in the early postnatal period.
Main Methods:
- Studied 30 premature neonates (26-35 weeks gestational age).
- Measured adrenal volume via ultrasonography weekly from day 1 to 28.
- Monitored serum levels of DHEA-S, androstenedione, and cortisol weekly.
Main Results:
- Serum DHEA-S, androstenedione, and cortisol levels declined rapidly within the first week of life, irrespective of gestational age.
- Adrenal gland volume decreased significantly between days 1 and 14 post-birth.
- Postnatal androgen levels showed sex-specific patterns, with boys exhibiting a rise in androstenedione from day 21.
Conclusions:
- Fetal adrenal involution occurs more rapidly than previously understood, with significant hormonal decline within the first week and size reduction within two weeks.
- Parturition is the primary trigger for fetal adrenal involution, highlighting the role of placental factors in fetal adrenal function.
- Involution involves decreased secretion of DHEA-S, androstenedione, and cortisol, alongside changes in enzymatic activity, with notable sex differences in androstenedione levels.
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