Levels of gonadotropins and adrenocortical hormones in newborns
Abstract:
We established reference ranges of serum gonadotropins, testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, aldosterone and renin in order to evaluate the causes of abnormal genitalia in Taiwanese newborns. Random serum samples were obtained from 60 full term newborns aged 3 to 5 days and the mean birth weight was 3.35 +/- 0.25 kg. The concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, aldosterone and renin were measured by radioimmunoassay. Mean FSH, LH, testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, aldosterone and renin were 0.61 +/- 1.13 IU/L, 2.95 +/- 2.72 IU/L, 0.70 +/- 0.47 ng/mL, 3.32 +/- 2.13 ng/mL, 795.73 +/- 511.36 pg/mL and 31.43 +/- 27.30 pg/mL, respectively. Significantly higher levels of testosterone (p < 0.05) were found in male than in female infants. Serum levels of FSH were significantly higher in female newborns (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the serum levels of LH between male and female infants. This study provides reference ranges of serum gonadotropins and some of the adrenocortical hormones in newborns.
Related Concept Videos
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.


