GH, ACTH, LH AND FSH BEHAVIOUR IN THE FIRST SEVEN DAYS OF LIFE

Abstract

Neonates (43), born vaginally after spontaneous labor between the 38th and the 42nd wk of pregnancy, were examined. GH [growth hormone] and ACTH levels were assayed in 14 newborn infants. LH [luteinizing hormone] and FSH [follicle stimulating hormone] were determined in the remaining 29 patients (16 boys and 13 girls). Samples were collected from all infants for the assay of the above mentioned hormones at the 2nd, 6th, 12th and 24th h of life, then every day for 7 consecutive days. During the whole 1st wk of life plasma GH gave values that were significantly higher than those found in subjects over 4 yr of age. The highest mean value of plasma ACTH was at the 2nd h of life (162.2 .+-. 34.1 pg/ml). Then, there is a significant fall in the hormone level beginning with the 12th h (P < 0.01). Minimum level was reached on the 7th day. Plasma hCG[human chorionic gonadotropin]-LH presents its maximum mean value at the 2nd h, both in boys and girls (48.5 .+-. 16.2 and 33.0 .+-. 24.9 mU[munits]/ml, respectively). After this plasma hCG-LH decreases progressively. No significant differences between the 2 sexes were found. Even though the mean values of plasma FSH do not change significantly during the whole test period, they do demonstrate a sex difference (significantly higher values in the females) from the 5th day afterwards.