Short-term fluctuations in the concentration of cortisol and progesterone in fetal plasma, maternal plasma, and amniotic and allantoic fluids from sheep during late pregnancy

1981 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. G. Challis ◽  
J. E. Patrick ◽  
Jill Cross ◽  
J. Workewych ◽  
E. Manchester ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Allantoic Fluid ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Two Fluids ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Steroid Profiles

Fluctuations in the concentrations of cortisol and progesterone in fetal plasma, maternal plasma, and amniotic and allantoic fluids were measured in samples taken at 10-min intervals over a 90-min period from three groups of sheep sampled at different times during late pregnancy. During the last 30 days of gestation there was a significant rise in the mean concentration of cortisol in fetal plasma and amniotic fluid and a significant correlation between the cortisol concentration in these two fluids. The concentration of cortisol in allantoic fluid exceeded that in amniotic fluid. The concentration of cortisol in fetal plasma varied in a pulsatile manner; however the coefficient of variation (CV) within animals was greater (36%) on days −11 to −20, relative to the day of parturition (day 0), than on days −21 to −30 or days −5 to 0 (15–19%). The CV values for cortisol in amniotic fluid and maternal plasma during the last 30 days of pregnancy were 20–50% and two to five times greater than the intraassay CV. The concentration of progesterone in amniotic fluid increased after day −20 but was not correlated with that in maternal plasma or fetal plasma. The concentrations of progesterone in paired samples of amniotic fluid and allantoic fluid were similar. The CV values for progesterone (18–34%) were similar in fetal and maternal plasma and amniotic fluid and did not change significantly during late pregnancy. Changes in the concentration of progesterone were unrelated to changes in cortisol. Interpretation of steroid profiles in fetal plasma and fluids through late pregnancy should take into account these short-term fluctuations in hormone concentrations.

scholarly journals Pre-implantation exogenous progesterone and pregnancy in sheep. II. Effects on fetal-placental development and nutrient transporters in late pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine M. Halloran ◽  
Emily C. Hoskins ◽  
Claire Stenhouse ◽  
Robyn M. Moses ◽  
Kathrin A. Dunlap ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Corn Oil ◽  
Allantoic Fluid ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Nutrient Transporters ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Exogenous Progesterone

Abstract Background Administration of progesterone (P4) to ewes during the first 9 to 12 days of pregnancy accelerates blastocyst development by day 12 of pregnancy, likely due to P4-induced up-regulation of key genes in uterine epithelia responsible for secretion and transport of components of histotroph into the uterine lumen. This study determined if acceleration of blastocyst development induced by exogenous P4 during the pre-implantation period affects fetal-placental development on day 125 of pregnancy. Suffolk ewes (n = 35) were mated to fertile rams and assigned randomly to receive daily intramuscular injections of either corn oil vehicle (CO, n = 18) or 25 mg progesterone in CO (P4, n = 17) for the first 8 days of pregnancy. All ewes were hysterectomized on day 125 of pregnancy and: 1) fetal and placental weights and measurements were recorded; 2) endometrial and placental tissues were analyzed for the expression of candidate mRNAs involved in nutrient transport and arginine metabolism; and 3) maternal plasma, fetal plasma, allantoic fluid, and amniotic fluid were analyzed for amino acids, agmatine, polyamines, glucose, and fructose. Results Treatment of ewes with exogenous P4 did not alter fetal or placental growth, but increased amounts of aspartate and arginine in allantoic fluid and amniotic fluid, respectively. Ewes that received exogenous P4 had greater expression of mRNAs for SLC7A1, SLC7A2, SLC2A1, AGMAT, and ODC1 in endometria, as well as SLC1A4, SLC2A5, SLC2A8 and ODC1 in placentomes. In addition, AZIN2 protein was immunolocalized to uterine luminal and glandular epithelia in P4-treated ewes, whereas AZIN2 localized only to uterine luminal epithelia in CO-treated ewes. Conclusions This study revealed that exogenous P4 administered in early pregnancy influenced expression of selected genes for nutrient transporters and the expression of a protein involved in polyamine synthesis on day 125 of pregnancy, suggesting a ‘programming’ effect of P4 on gene expression that affected the composition of nutrients in fetal-placental fluids.

Diamine oxidase activity in human maternal and fetal plasma and tissues at parturition

1965 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1048-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Louis Southren ◽  
Yutaka Kobayashi ◽  
Paul Brenner ◽  
Allan B. Weingold
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Premature Infants ◽  
Oxidase Activity ◽  
Diamine Oxidase ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Full Term ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Diamine Oxidase Activity ◽  
The Mean

The human maternal-to-fetal plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) ratio was measured in 48 paired samples from full-term pregnancies. A radioassay procedure was employed. The over-all mean maternal-to-fetal (M/F) ratio was 166/1. In a series of 12 premature deliveries the mean M/F ratio was 21/1. The low M/F ratio in the latter group was due to a high mean plasma DAO titer in the premature infants. The relative DAO content of the various trophoblastic and decidual tissues and fluids at parturition in decreasing order of activity, were as follows: decidua = 5,200, membranes = 4,100, placenta = 1,400, amniotic fluid = 100, maternal plasma = 42, cord = 14, and fetal plasma = 1. The accumulated data support the concept of a decidual origin of pregnancy DAO. radioassay of diamine oxidase; prematurity; trophoblastic and decidual tissues; amniotic fluid Submitted on September 2, 1964

Prepartum adrenocortical maturation in the fetal foal: responses to ACTH1–24

1994 ◽  
Vol 142 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Silver ◽  
A L Fowden
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Critical Period ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Plasma Acth ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Time To Delivery

Abstract The present study was carried out on 19 chronically catheterized mares and fetuses in late gestation (term >320 days). In six animals which were monitored up to the time of delivery of a live foal, plasma and amniotic fluid cortisol concentrations remained low until 4–5 days before parturition when there was a rapid, significant rise (P<0·05) which was not accompanied by any corresponding changes in maternal plasma cortisol. Circulating fetal ACTH concentrations became more variable close to delivery and ANOVA revealed no significant increases during this critical period, although a negative correlation between plasma ACTH and time to delivery was observed (P<0·05). Tests on fetal adrenal responsiveness to exogenous ACTH1–24 were carried out on ten animals. Before 295 days of gestation no significant increases in fetal plasma cortisol above its basal level of 20–30 nmol/l could be elicited by ACTH, administered as a single i.v. injection (1–2 μg/kg). By 304 ± 3 days (mean ± s.e.m.) small but significant (P<0·05) increments in plasma cortisol were detected after ACTH, while in the oldest group (313 ±2 days) significant (P<0·01) 50–60% increments were seen throughout the test period (2 h). Only one fetus was tested within 3 days of delivery and here a fourfold rise in plasma cortisol was evoked by ACTH. When changes in endogenous levels of circulating ACTH and cortisol were monitored every 15 min over 1·5- to 2-h periods in late gestation, rises in ACTH were only accompanied by concomitant increases in plasma cortisol in fetuses within 5 days of delivery (correlation coefficient r=0·58, P<0·01). Before this time, plasma cortisol concentrations remained at basal levels irrespective of any fluctuations in plasma ACTH. These findings indicate that the adrenal cortex of the fetal foal is relatively quiescent and insensitive to ACTH for most of the latter part of gestation, but that a short rapid escalation in circulating cortisol precedes its delivery. Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 142, 417–425

scholarly journals Distribution of alpha1-fetoprotein in fetal plasma, allantoic fluid, amniotic fluid and maternal plasma of cows

Reproduction ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 235-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. M. Smith ◽  
P. C. W. Lai ◽  
H. A. Robertson ◽  
R. B. Church ◽  
F. L. Lorscheider
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Allantoic Fluid ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Fetal Plasma

Endocrine and fluid-balance responses to amniotic and allantoic fluid loss in sheep

1990 ◽  
Vol 259 (4) ◽  
pp. R745-R752 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. A. Dickson ◽  
S. B. Hooper ◽  
I. C. McMillen ◽  
R. Harding
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Fluid Balance ◽  
Arginine Vasopressin ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Plasma Osmolality ◽  
Allantoic Fluid ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Urine Production

Our aim was to determine fetal and maternal endocrine and fluid-balance responses to prolonged loss of amniotic and allantoic fluids in sheep. In seven sheep, amniotic and allantoic fluids were drained [379.1 +/- 20.1 (SE) ml/day] from 107 to 135.3 +/- 0.6 days of gestation (term: 145 days). The results from these sheep were compared with those from seven control sheep. Maternal water intake, urine production, and urine osmolality were not altered by fluid drainage, nor were fetal and maternal arterial blood gases, pH, or plasma osmolalities. Fluid drainage increased amniotic, but not allantoic, fluid osmolality. Maternal plasma cortisol concentration increased with fluid drainage, but maternal plasma concentrations of prolactin and arginine vasopressin were unchanged. Fluid drainage increased prolactin concentrations in fetal plasma and amniotic fluid, but fetal plasma concentrations of cortisol (hydrocortisone), arginine vasopressin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine were unchanged. Our results show that the fetus is capable of maintaining its plasma osmolality despite prolonged loss of fluid from its amniotic and allantoic sacs and that this is associated with alterations in the production rate and the composition of amniotic fluid.

Increase in the concentration of immunoreactive endothelin in human pregnancy

1991 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Iwata ◽  
T. Takagi ◽  
K. Yamaji ◽  
O. Tanizawa
Keyword(s):  
Detection Limit ◽  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Vaginal Delivery ◽  
Umbilical Artery ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACT Maternal plasma concentrations of immunoreactive endothelin (ir-ET) during pregnancy, labour and after birth were measured by radioimmunoassay. Concentrations of ir-ET in the umbilical artery, umbilical vein, amniotic fluid and neonatal urine were also examined. The mean (± s.e.m.) plasma ir-ET concentration in early pregnancy (4–7 weeks) was 13·7±0·5 pmol/l, which was significantly higher than that in non-pregnant women (5·9±0·3 pmol/l). During pregnancy, plasma ir-ET concentrations gradually decreased to a minimum of 11·5±0·4 pmol/l in weeks 20–23, and then increased again towards term (12·5±0·4 pmol/l after 36 weeks of pregnancy). In women undergoing vaginal delivery, the mean plasma ir-ET concentration (17·1±0·7 pmol/l) increased significantly, compared with that in late pregnancy. After delivery, the plasma ir-ET concentration decreased abruptly to 4·0±0·2 pmol/l on the first day. Plasma ir-ET concentrations in umbilical vessels were significantly higher than those in maternal plasma. In addition, concentrations in the umbilical artery were significantly higher than those in the umbilical vein in cases of vaginal delivery. Concentrations of ir-ET in amniotic fluid were much higher than those in maternal or fetal plasma. ir-ET concentrations in neonatal urine on day 1 after birth were below the detection limit (< 0·1 pmol/l) by radioimmunoassay in 70% of the cases examined but on day 5 after birth ir-ET was present at measurable concentrations in all cases. It is suggested that endothelin may act as a circulating hormone during pregnancy and labour in both maternal and fetal circulations. Journal of Endocrinology (1991) 129, 301–307

Thyroid and parathyroid-independent increase in plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D during late pregnancy in the rat

1988 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 381-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. M. Nguyen ◽  
A. Halhali ◽  
H. Guillozo ◽  
M. Garabedian ◽  
S. Balsan
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Placental Transfer ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Vitamin D Metabolites ◽  
Pregnant Rats ◽  
Dihydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACT The effect of thyroparathyroidectomy (TPTX) on the plasma concentrations of the vitamin D metabolites (25-(OH)D, 24,25-(OH)2D and 1,25-(OH)2D) has been studied in pregnant rats and their fetuses during the last quarter of gestation. Maternal and fetal vitamin D metabolites were not significantly affected by TPTX. A significant increase in plasma 1,25-(OH)2D concentrations was observed in both TPTX and control mothers and fetuses from days 19 to 21. Fetal and maternal plasma 25-(OH)D were positively correlated in both control and TPTX groups. Such a correlation was also found for 24,25-(OH)2D in the two groups. In contrast, a positive correlation between maternal and fetal plasma concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D was found in TPTX but not in control rats. These data suggest that major alterations in calcium metabolism, such as that produced by maternal TPTX, are insufficient to affect the changes in maternal and fetal plasma 1,25-(OH)2D during late pregnancy significantly. They also suggest that parathyroid hormone, thyroxine, and/or calcitonin may control a possible placental transfer of 1,25-(OH)2D in the rat. J. Endocr. (1988) 116, 381–385

Atrial natriuretic factor in maternal and fetal sheep

1987 ◽  
Vol 252 (2) ◽  
pp. E279-E282 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Y. Cheung ◽  
D. M. Gibbs ◽  
R. A. Brace
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Natriuretic Factor ◽  
Allantoic Fluid ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Fetal Kidney ◽  
Fetal Sheep ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Natriuretic Factor ◽  
Pregnant Sheep ◽  
Fetal Urine ◽  
Atrial Natriuretic

To determine atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) concentrations in the circulation and body fluids of adult pregnant sheep and their fetuses, pregnant ewes were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium, and the fetuses were exteriorized for sampling. ANF concentration, as measured by radioimmunoassay, was 47 +/- 6 (SE) pg/ml in maternal plasma, which was significantly higher than the 15 +/- 3 pg/ml in maternal urine. In the fetus, plasma ANF concentration was 265 +/- 49 pg/ml, 5.6 times that in maternal plasma. No umbilical arterial and venous difference in ANF concentration was observed. Fetal urine ANF concentration (13 +/- 2 pg/ml) was significantly lower than that in fetal plasma, and was similar to that measured in amniotic and allantoic fluid. In chronically catheterized maternal and fetal sheep, fetal plasma ANF was again 5.1 times that in maternal plasma, and these levels were not different from those measured in acutely anesthetized animals. These results demonstrate that immunoreactive ANF is present in the fetal circulation at levels higher than those found in the mother. The low concentration of ANF in fetal urine suggests that ANF is probably metabolized and/or reabsorbed by the fetal kidney.

Determination of insulin-like growth factor-2 in feto-maternal circulation during human pregnancy

1992 ◽  
Vol 127 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiro Kubota ◽  
Shusaku Kamada ◽  
Makoto Taguchi ◽  
Takeshi Aso
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Main Peak ◽  
Gel Chromatography ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Maternal Circulation ◽  
Human Pregnancy ◽  
Fetal Plasma

In order to clarify the roles of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) on the human maternal-fetal environment, IGF-2 and IGF-1 levels were investigated in human plasma and amniotic fluid during pregnancy. Initially, new radio-immunoassay (RIA) systems for human IGF-2 could be developed. The sensitivity of this assay was 17.5 pg/tube and the cross-reactivity with IGF-1 was 0.64%. The pattern of change of maternal plasma IGF-2 in early pregnancy differed from that of IGF-1, but both IGF levels increased progressively in the second half of gestation, and decreased to non-pregnancy levels in the puerperium. Maternal levels of IGF-2 were approximately seven times greater than those of IGF-1. The ratio of IGF-2 to IGF-1 was 3.2 in amniotic fluid. The IGF concentrations in amniotic fluid obtained in the second trimester were significantly greater than those of term specimens, and closely related to those of prolactin (PRL) in amniotic fluid. The highest IGF-2 to IGF-1 ratio (1 5.9) was found in umbilical vein plasma. On Sephadex G-150 gel-chromatography of maternal and fetal plasma at term, two apparent peaks of unsaturated IGF-2 binding protein (BP) could be detected in both 150 and 40 kilo dalton (kD) regions. One main peak of unsaturated IGF-2 BP could be determined in the 40 kD region in the amniotic fluid at term. High concentration of IGF-2 could be detected in feto-maternal circulation during human pregnancy. Moreover, it is strongly suggested that the releasing systems of IGFs in amniotic fluid are different from those in maternal or umbilical circulation.

THE CONCENTRATION OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2α IN MATERNAL PLASMA, FOETAL PLASMA AND AMNIOTIC FLUID DURING PREGNANCY IN WOMEN

1975 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 589-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Johnson ◽  
P. A. Manning ◽  
J. F. Hennam ◽  
J. R. Newton ◽  
W. P. Collins
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Uterine Contractions ◽  
Prostaglandin F ◽  
Serial Samples ◽  
Considerable Individual Variation ◽  
Venous Plasma

ABSTRACT The concentration of prostaglandin F2α has been determined in serial samples of peripheral venous plasma from women at defined times during labour, and studied in detail throughout two consecutive uterine contractions. In addition, the same compound has been measured in single samples of uterine venous plasma, cord venous plasma, and amniotic fluid in groups of patients during early and late pregnancy, labour and at delivery of the baby. The results from the analysis of peripheral venous plasma show that there is considerable individual variation in the concentration of prostaglandin F2α during labour (mean ± sd, 33.1 ± 11.6 pg/ml). However, it is not possible to establish a definite correlation with either the latent or accelerated phases or with the time of delivery. Furthermore, there is no apparent temporal relationship between the concentrations in peripheral venous plasma and the contractile state of the uterus as assessed by external tocography. In early pregnancy (16th to 20th week) the concentration of prostaglandin F2α (pg/ml, mean ± sd) in peripheral venous plasma is 26.3 ± 4.3 and in amniotic fluid 32.7 ± 26.5. At the 36th week to the start of labour the corresponding values are 27.1 ± 8.1 and 110.0 ± 73.8. At the same time the levels in cord plasma and uterine venous plasma are 100.4 ± 74.9 and 87.9 ± 55.0 respectively. During labour there is a significant increase (P < 0.005, Student's t-test) in the concentration in amniotic fluid (335.1 ± 171.0). The results are discussed in relation to the possible role of prostaglandin F2α in the process of parturition.

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