title: The effect of epostane, a 3-beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, on maternal and fetal steroid levels during mid-gestation.
abstract: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the maternal and fetal endocrine effects of epostane, an inhibitor of progesterone synthesis, in mid-pregnancy. Although present in the maternal circulation, epostane was not detected in cord blood or amniotic fluid. Maternal and fetal progesterone levels fell by 80% and 95% respectively with maintenance of the fetal arterio-venous difference while oestradiol and aldosterone levels were affected to a lesser extent. The mechanism of 3-beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase suppression and the relation between fetal and maternal progesterone levels are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Selinger
authors.forename: I Z
authors.initials: IZ
authors.lastname: MacKenzie
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Gillmer
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Phipps
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ferguson
mesh_terms: D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D000328:Adult; D000450:Aldosterone / Q000097:blood; D000737:Androstenols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000187:drug effects*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D000737:Androstenols; D000450:Aldosterone; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; C046855:epostane; D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D006854:Hydrocortisone