Effect of ethyl alcohol infusions on glucose and hormone status in ovine pregnancy

Term pregnant ewes were given ethanol in dextrose water i.v. according to the usual 2-h loading dose recommended for premature labor. Glucose, insulin, cortisol, progestins, estrone and estradiol in maternal and fetal plasma were measured for 5 h. In both treated animals and controls (dextrose water only) there was reduction in maternal cortisol and a reduction followed by a rise in progesterone concentration. Mean concentration of insulin in maternal plasma across all sampling times was higher in ethanol treated animals.