Prenatal glucocorticoid exposure and postnatal adaptation in premature newborn baboons ventilated for six days.
OBJECTIVE
Renal and cardiovascular function is improved during the first 24 hours of life in preterm ventilated baboons exposed to prenatal betamethasone (BETA). We hypothesized BETA-induced effects would be sustained through day 6 of life. Study design Pregnant baboons received saline or BETA (6 mg) 48 and 24 hours before preterm delivery at 125 days' gestation. The newborn baboons were ventilated for 6 days, and assessed for renal, cardiovascular, and endocrine function.


RESULTS
Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) values 24 hours after delivery were higher in the BETA group. Kidney Na, K-ATPase activity was higher in the BETA group by day 6. All other measures were similar in both groups by day 6.


CONCLUSIONS
Prenatal BETA exposure in the premature baboon: (1) increases MAP and GFR on day 1 without measurable effects by day 6 and (2) increases kidney Na, K-ATPase activity.
Smith
Lynne M
LM
Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Research and Education Institute, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, Calif, USA. smith@gcrc.rei.edu
Altamirano
A Kimberly
AK
Ervin
M Gore
MG
Seidner
Steven R
SR
Jobe
Alan H
AH
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000502:physiology*; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005325:Fetal Organ Maturity; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects*; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D010215:Papio; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000662:veterinary
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D001623:Betamethasone