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Relationship between fetal adrenal morphology and anterior pituitary function
M C Young1, K M Laurence, I A Hughes
1Department of Child Health, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, UK.
Hormone Research
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Fetal adrenal growth and structure depend on adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH). Anencephaly reduces adrenal weight, while congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) increases it, confirming ACTH
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Biology
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Fetal adrenal gland development is crucial for gestation.
- The role of adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) in fetal adrenal morphology is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dependency of fetal adrenal mass and structure on ACTH throughout gestation.
- To establish reference ranges for fetal adrenal weight and correlate them with specific conditions.
Main Methods:
- Comparative morphological study of adrenal glands from normal fetuses, anencephalic fetuses, and fetuses with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
- Measurement of adrenal weight and cortical thickness.
- Electron microscopy to examine cellular features.
Main Results:
- Normal fetal adrenal weight increases linearly between 15-27 weeks gestation.
- Anencephalic fetuses showed significantly lower adrenal weight and cortical thickness.
- Fetuses with CAH exhibited markedly increased adrenal weight and cortical thickness, with evidence of cellular hypertrophy and secretory granules.
Conclusions:
- Fetal adrenal growth and development are highly dependent on fetal pituitary function, primarily mediated by ACTH, from early gestation.
- Abnormalities in ACTH signaling lead to distinct alterations in fetal adrenal morphology, as seen in anencephaly and CAH.
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