Fetal and maternal adrenals in human pregnancy.
Human pregnancy is marked by alterations in several endocrine systems--perhaps most notably, the striking increase in steroid hormone production by the adrenals of the fetus and mother. Morphologically and physiologically, the human fetal adrenal glands are remarkable organs. In proportion to the adult organs, the adrenal cortex is the largest organ of the fetus. At term, they produce more steroid and weigh the same as adrenal glands of the adult. Much of the steroid that is released by the fetal and maternal adrenals during pregnancy is the sulfated form of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA-S), which is used by the placenta to produce estrogens. Herein, we discuss the physiologic and pathophysiologic hormonal changes of the fetal and maternal adrenals during the course of pregnancy.
Rainey
William E
WE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75235-9032, USA. william.rainey@utsouthwestern.edu
Rehman
Khurram S
KS
Carr
Bruce R
BR
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D000307:Adrenal Gland Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000378:metabolism*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D006728:Hormones