A SEQUENTIAL STUDY OF ADRENOCORTICOSTEROID LEVEL IN HUMAN PREGNANCY

Abstract

1. Peripheral plasma levels of aldosterone, corticosterone, Cortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) and 11-deoxycortisol were measured sequentially throughout pregnancy in eleven women. 2. Mean plasma concentrations were significantly increased above non-pregnant values at 8 weeks for DOC, at 12 weeks for corticosterone, Cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol, but not until 24 weeks for aldosterone. 3. It is suggested that during human pregnancy, the maternal adrenal is responding differently to corticotrophin, pituitary or placental, and that other factors, for example prolactin, may be stimulating the adrenal directly or modifying the action of corticotrophin.