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Related Experiment Videos

Human amniotic membrane corticosteroid 11-oxidoreductase activity

A K Tanswell, D Worthington, B T Smith

    The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
    |October 1, 1977
    PubMed
    Summary

    Amniotic membrane converts cortisone to cortisol, increasing with gestational age. This process provides a vital source of active glucocorticoids for the fetus near term.

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    Area of Science:

    • Perinatal medicine
    • Endocrinology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Glucocorticoids are crucial for fetal development.
    • The role of the amniotic membrane in fetal glucocorticoid metabolism is not fully understood.
    • Cortisol and cortisone interconversion is a key metabolic pathway.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the capacity of the human amniotic membrane to interconvert cortisol and cortisone.
    • To determine the relationship between gestational age and this interconversion.
    • To assess the potential contribution of this pathway to fetal active glucocorticoid levels.

    Main Methods:

    • Human amniotic membrane samples were obtained within 3 hours of delivery from 28 infants.
    • The interconversion of 3H-cortisol and 14-C-cortisone was measured.
    • Statistical analysis was performed to correlate conversion rates with gestational age.

    Main Results:

    • Cortisone to cortisol conversion increased significantly with gestational age, observed from 29.5 weeks and reaching 50-55% at term.
    • A net gain of cortisol (C-11 activation index) was detected from 31 weeks, reaching 40-50% by term.
    • Both findings showed strong statistical significance (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001).

    Conclusions:

    • The human amniotic membrane possesses significant glucocorticoid interconversion activity.
    • This activity, particularly the conversion of cortisone to cortisol, develops progressively during gestation.
    • The amniotic membrane may serve as an important endogenous source of active glucocorticoids for the fetus.

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