Constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus by glucocorticoid hormones

Pediatr Res. 1981 Jan;15(1):19-21. doi: 10.1203/00006450-198101000-00005.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Betamethasone / pharmacology*
  • Constriction, Pathologic / chemically induced
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Ductus Arteriosus / drug effects*
  • Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / prevention & control
  • Gestational Age
  • Hydrocortisone / pharmacology*
  • Prednisolone / pharmacology*
  • Rats

Substances

  • Betamethasone
  • Prednisolone
  • Hydrocortisone