Article Abstract:
The corticosteroid drug betamethasone stimulates the production of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) by the placenta in pregnant women. CRH stimulates the production of ACTH by the pituitary which in turn stimulates the adrenals to produce cortisol. Researchers analyzed samples of cord blood, amniotic fluid, placental tissue and fetal membranes for CRH in 45 pregnant women, 22 of whom had received betamethasone to stimulate fetal lung maturity. Betamethasone stimulated CRH production and inhibited ACTH and cortisol production in most of the fluid samples.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Measuring corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the blood of pregnant women in premature labor may determine which ones are likely to give birth within 24 hours. CRH is produced by the hypothalamus and also by the placenta. Research has shown that blood levels of CRH in the mother begin to increase several weeks before delivery. In pregnant women in premature labor, CRH levels begin to rise even earlier. The ratio of cortisol to corticosteroid binding capacity also begins to rise in the blood of women who will deliver within 24 hours.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Corticosteroids affect the level of corticosteroid-binding globulin in amniotic fluid but not in the blood of the mother or fetus. Pregnant women in premature labor often receive corticosteroids to enhance fetal lung maturity.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: