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Plasma 11-deoxycortisol in normal and abnormal human pregnancy
11-Deoxycortisol was assayed in maternal and cord plasma. The concentrations in maternal plasma increased as pregnancy progressed and reached a peak at 39 weeks. The levels decreased very rapidly in the postpartum period. In cases of intrauterine fetal death and anencephalic fetuses, the values were apparently lower than normal. In women who had undergone bilateral adrenalectomy, the maternal plasma levels were almost normal. The maternal levels were high in cases of twin pregnancies. Therefore, it is assumed that the fetus or the fetoplacental unit is the source of the increased 11-deoxycortisol in maternal plasma during late pregnancy.
11-Deoxycortisol was assayed in maternal and cord plasma. The concentrations in maternal plasma increased as pregnancy progressed and reached a peak at 39 weeks. The levels decreased very rapidly in the postpartum period. In cases of intrauterine fetal death and anencephalic fetuses, the values were apparently lower than normal. In women who had undergone bilateral adrenalectomy, the maternal plasma levels were almost normal. The maternal levels were high in cases of twin pregnancies. Therefore, it is assumed that the fetus or the fetoplacental unit is the source of the increased 11-deoxycortisol in maternal plasma during late pregnancy.