Fetal Endocrinology and Metabolism

Contributors

Preface

The Fetal Neuroendocrine Axis

I. Introduction

II. The Development of the Hypothalamus and Adenohypophysis

III. The Secretion and Function of Fetal Adenohypophyseal Hormones

IV. Autonomy of the Fetal Neuroendocrine Unit

References

In Vitro Fertilization

I. The Natural Ovulatory Cycle and IVF

II. The Stimulated or Controlled Ovulatory Cycle

III. Maturation of the Oocyte

IV. The Technique of in Vitro Fertilization

V. The Use of IVF in Male and Idiopathic Infertility

References

Factors Controlling Placental Endocrine Function in Domestic Animals

I. Introduction

II. Control of Placental Steroid Secretion by Fetal Cortisol in Domestic Animals

III. Control of Secretion of Placental Lactogens

IV. Effects of β-Catecholaminergic Drugs on the Placenta

V. Conclusions

References

The Fetal Thyroid

I. Introduction

II. The Choice of Preparation

III. The Morphological and Secretory Development of the Gland

IV. The Placental Barrier

V. The Role of the Thyroid in Fetal Development

VI. Fetal Thyroid Hormone Kinetics

VII. Perinatal Thyroid Hormone Concentrations

VIII. Conclusion

References

Carbohydrate Metabolism

I. Introduction

II. Maternal Hormonal and Metabolic Adaptations

III. Early Embryonic Development

IV. Placental Transfer of Carbohydrates

V. Fetal Hormones and Carbohydrate Utilization

VI. Fetal Metabolic Pathways

VII. Summary

References

Regulation of Partition of Protein during Pregnancy

I. Introduction

II. Placental Protein

III. Fetal Protein

IV. Free Amino Acid Pools

V. Maternal Protein

References

Mineral Needs of the Fetus

I. Introduction

II. Calcium, Phosphate, Magnesium

III. Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

IV. Vitamin D

V. Calcitonin

VI. Hormone Interrelations

VII. Conclusion

References

Fetal Metabolism of Cortisol

I. Introduction

II. Circulating Levels of Cortisol in the Fetus

III. Sources of Cortisol in the Fetal Circulation

IV. Fate of Fetal Cortisol

V. Significance of Cortisol in the Fetus

VI. Summary

References

Sexual Differentiation: Normal and Abnormal

I. Embryology of Sexual Differentiation

II. Determinants of Phenotypic Differentiation

III. Genetic Control of Sexual Differentiation

IV. Sexual Differentiation of the Brain

V. Male Pseudohermaphroditism

VI. XX Males and True Hermaphroditism

VII. Female Pseudohermaphroditism

References

Metabolic Errors of Adrenal Steroidogenesis

I. Introduction

II. Steroidogenesis and Enzymatic Conversions of Adrenal Steroid Hormones

III. Fetal Sexual Development

IV. Enzyme Defects in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

V. The Zona Fasciculata and Zona Glomerulosa as Separate Glands

VI. Treatment of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

VII. Genetics of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

VIII. Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

IX. Summary

References

Index