Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
06:39

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

The effect of labor on maternal and fetal circulating catecholamines

C M Jones, F C Greiss

    American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
    |September 15, 1982
    PubMed

    Maternal circulating catecholamines were determined in nonpregnant (n = 15) and antepartum (n = 15) subjects and at spontaneous vaginal (n = 20) and repeat cesarean section (n = 20) deliveries. Newborn levels of catecholamines were determined prior to the onset of respiration in the vaginal delivery (n = 20) and cesarean section (n = 20) groups. Maternal levels of norepinephrine at 36 to 38 weeks' gestation were lower than values in nonpregnant individuals, and did not increase at cesarean section but rose to nonpregnant levels at vaginal delivery. Antepartum levels of epinephrine were lower than levels in nonpregnant subjects and rose above nonpregnant levels in both delivery groups (P less than 0.02). Maternal levels of dopamine followed a similar pregnancy decline and rose above nonpregnant levels at delivery in both groups (P less than 0.02). Maternal levels of dopamine in the cesarean section group were significantly higher than those in vaginal delivery (P less than 0.05). Newborn levels of catecholamines demonstrated significant newborn secretion of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine at delivery in both groups. Umbilical arterial levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine were significantly greater after vaginal delivery than those after abdominal delivery (P less than 0.01). The significance of circulating catecholamines to, and their possible roles in, the parturient women and fetus are discussed.

    More Related Videos

    In Vivo Real-Time Study of Drug Effects on Carotid Blood Flow in the Ovine Fetus11:59

    In Vivo Real-Time Study of Drug Effects on Carotid Blood Flow in the Ovine Fetus

    Published on: April 28, 2023

    Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period06:40

    Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period

    Published on: April 5, 2024

    Related Concept Videos

    Hormonal Regulation01:33

    Hormonal Regulation

    The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.
    Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission01:27

    Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission

    Postganglionic sympathetic fibers (except those supplying the sweat glands) releasing noradrenaline or norepinephrine are called noradrenergic or adrenergic neurons. Noradrenaline, dopamine, adrenaline, or epinephrine are collectively called "catecholamines" as they contain a catechol moiety and an amine side chain. The five stages of neurotransmitter release involve their synthesis, storage, release, reuptake and metabolism.
    Synthesis: Catecholamine synthesis requires tyrosine, which is taken...
    Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents01:25

    Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents

    Indirect-acting adrenergic agonists potentiate the effects of endogenous catecholamines through different mechanisms without directly binding to adrenoceptors.
    One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
    Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Classification01:18

    Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Classification

    Adrenergic agonists can be classified based on their therapeutic uses and mechanisms of action. They serve various purposes in clinical applications.
    Vasopressor or pressor agents: They increase blood pressure and function as cardiac stimulants. Examples include endogenous catecholamines (norepinephrine and dopamine) and synthetic agents (phenylephrine).
    Bronchodilators: β2-agonists can relax bronchial muscles and widen airways. They are commonly used for treating obstructive pulmonary...
    Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers01:31

    Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers

    Third-generation β-blockers, such as labetalol and carvedilol, represent a significant advancement in managing cardiovascular conditions. Unlike conventional β-blockers, which can induce peripheral vasoconstriction, third-generation drugs block α1 adrenoceptors. This promotes vasodilation through several mechanisms, such as increased nitric oxide production, inhibition of calcium ion entry, opening of potassium ion channels, and antioxidant action. Labetalol, for instance, is clinically...
    Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output01:19

    Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output

    Cardiac Output
    Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
    Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
    Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate...