Constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus by glucocorticoid hormones.
Hydrocortisone, prednisolone, and betamethasone were injected into a rat that was 21 days pregnant, and the fetal ductus arteriosus was studied using the rapid whole-body freezing technique. All these glucocorticoids constricted the fetal ductus arteriosus in a dose-dependent relationship. Fetal ductal constriction was maximum 1 to 4 hr after injection and was significantly more prominent in premature fetuses than in mature ones.
D000818:Animals; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000139:chemically induced; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004373:Ductus Arteriosus / Q000187:drug effects*; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000517:prevention & control; D005865:Gestational Age; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats
D001623:Betamethasone; D011239:Prednisolone; D006854:Hydrocortisone