Preparturient changes in plasma concentrations of estrone, estradiol-17beta and estradiol-17alpha in the fetal calf: effects of dexamethasone infusion.
The concentrations of total estrogens in fetal calf plasma were determined during a 6-10 day period immediately before delivery. Comparison was made between levels found in untreated calves and calves infused with dexamethasone at the rate of 0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg/24 hours. In untreated calves the plasma estrone, estradiol-17beta and estradio-17alpha levels remained relatively constant at 38 +/- 7 ng ml-1 (mean +/- SEM n = 3), 46 +/- 6 ng ml-1 and 29 +/- 5 ng ml-1 respectively. Infusion with dexamethasone at 0.1 mg/24 hr (3 calves) and 1.0 mg/24 hr (3 calves) was without dramatic effect on plasma estrogen levels. However, in one fetus infused with 10.0 mg/24 hr the dexamethasone treatment may have caused a transitory rise in the levels of all estrogens examined.
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood*; D004970:Estrone / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors
D004970:Estrone; D004958:Estradiol; D003907:Dexamethasone