The effect of epostane, a 3-beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, on maternal and fetal steroid levels during mid-gestation.
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.
Selinger
M
M
Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford.
MacKenzie
I Z
IZ
Gillmer
M D
MD
Phipps
S L
SL
Ferguson
J
J
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
D000737:Androstenols; D000450:Aldosterone; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; C046855:epostane; D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D006854:Hydrocortisone