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The development of fetal adrenal function.

J R Challis, E L Manchester, B F Mitchell

Ciba Foundation Symposium

|January 1, 1981

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Fetal sheep adrenal glands show varying responses to tropic stimulation during pregnancy. Mid-gestation adrenals have reduced responsiveness, linked to 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity, with function returning near term.

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Developmental Biology
Reproductive Science

Background:

Fetal adrenal gland development and function are critical for pregnancy and parturition.
Understanding the regulation of fetal adrenal steroidogenesis is essential for managing high-risk pregnancies.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the developmental changes in fetal sheep adrenal responsiveness to tropic stimulation.
To identify the mechanisms underlying the mid-gestational decrease in adrenal function.

Main Methods:

In vivo and in vitro studies using isolated fetal sheep adrenal cells.
Assessment of cortisol production in response to ACTH, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and GTP.
Analysis of steroid precursor conversion to cortisol.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

Adrenal cells from early and late gestation fetuses responded to ACTH, while mid-gestation cells showed minimal response.
A mid-gestational loss of 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity was observed.
Exogenous ACTH administration in vivo increased the cortisol to corticosterone ratio in fetal plasma.

Conclusions:

The mid-gestational decrease in fetal adrenal responsiveness is associated with post-receptor signaling defects and reduced 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity.
Fetal adrenal function can be stimulated by ACTH, impacting steroid hydroxylation.
Further research is needed to identify endogenous corticotropin sources and their actions.