[The effect of glucocorticoid treatment during pregnancy on adrenal function in newborn rats (author's transl)]

The authors examined the effect of prednisolone-salium succinate administered on the 17th or 18th day of pregnancy on the adrenal function of newborn rats. They found that in doses of 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg it does not affect physiological development or, respectively, the extent of the circadian rhythm or the stress response. However, the adrenal function of newborn animals was significantly inhibited by 30.0 mg/kg as regards its adaptability to extra-uterine life. The authors point out the importance of investigations to determine the adrenal function of newborns following steroid therapy to prevent RDS.