Differential effects of natural and synthetic glucocorticoids on cytochrome 17alpha-hydroxylase (P-450(sub)17alpha) and cytochrome P-450 side-chain cleavage (P-450(sub)scc) messenger ribonucleic acid in the sheep placenta

Article Abstract:

Natural corticosteroids such as the hormone cortisol appear to have a greater effect than synthetic corticosteroids on the production of an enzyme that stimulates labor. Blood levels of the enzyme cytochrome 17alpha-hydroxylase rise during labor and start a cascade of events that lead to delivery. Researchers measured levels of this enzyme in fetal sheep whose mothers received cortisol or one of two synthetic corticosteroids, betamethasone or dexamethasone. The enzyme was not detected at all in animals not in labor. Animals in labor began producing the enzyme, and cortisol caused greater increases than the synthetic corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids, Adrenocortical hormones, Hydroxylases, Cytochrome P-450

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Gestation-related and betamethasone-induced changes in 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase types 1 and 2 in the baboon placenta

Article Abstract:

Animal data are provided to show that the placenta can regulate the amount of adrenal hormones produced by the mother that reach the fetus. In this study, the amount of the adrenal hormone cortisol was four times higher in the mother's blood than in the baby's blood. Giving the corticosteroid drug betamethasone to the mother caused changes in the amounts of a placental enzyme called 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

Oxidoreductases, Placenta

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Changes in prostacyclin synthase in pregnant sheep myometrium, endometrium, and placenta at spontaneous term labor and regulation by estradiol and progesterone

Article Abstract:

During labor, prostacyclin synthase levels increase in the myometrium but decrease in the endometrium. Prostacyclin synthase is an enzyme involved in the production of prostacyclin, which relaxes blood vessels.

Labor (Obstetrics), Uterus, Prostacyclin

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