[Influence of betamethasone on glucose consumption in the human placenta perfused in vitro]

The study was carried out on 48 human placentas perfused in vitro. Betamethasone was administered into the arterial systems in the following single doses: 0.4 mg, 2 mg and 10 mg. The authors found a highly significant or statistically insignificant decreased glucose consumption after administering each dose of betamethasone and at all times of the experiment. The phenomenon of a decrease in glucose consumption was attributed to an increased gluconeogenesis and releasing glucose from placental glycogen. The action of betamethasone consisting in supplying an increased amount of glucose is of great importance in the process of maturing fetal lungs in the uterus and in states threatening the fetus.