Fetal thyroid-stimulating hormone response to maternal administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone
Article Abstract:
The maturation, or development, of the fetal lungs is improved after the mother is treated with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). This hormone stimulates the pituitary to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH; thyrotropin), which stimulates the thyroid gland. The intravenous administration of TRH to pregnant women within three hours before delivery results in increased blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the umbilical cord at the time of birth. (The umbilical cord, which connects the fetus with the placenta, contains vessels through which oxygen, drugs and other substances pass to the fetus.) The ability of TRH, given to the mother in early pregnancy, to stimulate the pituitary of the fetus to release TSH was assessed. The levels of TSH were measured in fetal blood, which was sampled before and after blood transfusion in 26 Rh-affected pregnancies. Transfusions were performed between 25 and 37 weeks' gestation (length of pregnancy). TRH was given to 8 of 26 mothers after fetal blood samples were obtained, but before transfusion; it resulted in increased levels of TSH in the fetal blood samples. These findings suggest that administering TRH to the mother in early pregnancy can stimulate the fetal pituitary to release TSH. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1991
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Fetal plasma erythropoietin concentration in severe growth retardation
Article Abstract:
Blood levels of erythropoietin may be increased in fetuses suffering from severe growth retardation. Erythropoietin is a substance that enhances erythropoiesis, or the production of red blood cells (RBC). A study examined the blood levels of erythropoietin in 33 fetuses suffering from severe growth retardation at 26 to 38 weeks of gestation. The average blood level of erythropoietin was significantly higher in the fetuses suffering from growth retardation than the normal average blood level of erythropoietin for fetuses of that age. The increase in blood levels of erythropoietin was associated with acidemia, or low blood pH. It was also associated with increased blood levels of erythroblasts, which are the immature cells from which RBCs develop. Blood levels of mature RBCs were not significantly increased in the fetuses suffering from severe growth retardation.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
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