LEVELS OF CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN IN THE NEWBORN INFANT AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO ADRENAL DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE

Abstract

SUMMARY: Chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) concentrations were measured in newborn infants. The levels of HCG were found to be higher in the umbilical vein than in the arteries. The hormone is eliminated within 72 hr. post partum. After the injection of HCG a mean of 3·6% of the administered dose appeared in the urine. The renal clearance was very low (0·006 ml./min.) in the newborn corresponding to the low volume of urinary output. HCG is also excreted in the meconium and in the faeces during the first day of life. Administration of HCG to newborn infants significantly increased the urinary excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone. This rise was even more pronounced in premature infants. It is suggested that HCG is an adrenocorticotrophic hormone in the foetus, regulating the supply of foetal adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone as a precursor for the production of oestrogens in the placenta. The excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone in the urine of the newborn was found to lie between 78 and 277 μg./24 hr. After injection of sodium dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, 5% of the dose was excreted in the urine. Dehydroepiandrosterone was not converted into oestrogens by the newborn.