AUTORADIOGRAPHIC STUDIES ON PREVIABLE HUMAN FOETUSES PERFUSED WITH RADIOACTIVE STEROIDS

Abstract

Using the technique of whole-body autoradiography, the distribution of radioactive material was studied in 2 previable fetuses following perfusion with progesterone-4- 14C. The uptake of radio-activity was by far the highest in the adrenal cortex. A specific accumulation of radioactive material was also demonstrated in the pituitary gland, testicles, thyroid and thymus. The liver, intestinal mucosa, kidneys and certain structures of the developing eye and central nervous system also showed an increased uptake. The possible physiological significance of the findings is discussed.