European Journal of Endocrinology · 1965 · 13 citations · 0 references
Life SciencesEndocrinologyObstetricsReproductive EndocrinologyReproductive PhysiologySteroid BiochemistryAdrenal HormonesAdrenal Steroid HormonesAdrenal SteroidogenesisHormonal EvaluationPregnancy EndocrinologySteroid MetabolismAdrenal Androgen ProductionAdrenal Steroid MetabolismAndrogen Levels In PregnancyEndocrine SteroidogenesisPlacental Steroid TransferPlacental Steroidogenesis RegulationSex Steroid Physiology
ABSTRACT The uneventful course of pregnancy in a patient who had undergone subtotal adrenalectomy for Cushing's Syndrome 16 months prior to the onset of pregnancy is reported. The urinary steroid excretion was followed throughout pregnancy; during the last three weeks before delivery daily determinations were carried out. The 17-ketosteroid output was somewhat elevated in this period as compared with non-pregnant values, while no change in the excretion of 17-hydroxysteroids was observed; the pregnanediol values were within the low normal range for the relevant periods of pregnancy. The most striking feature was a significantly low excretion of oestriol, oestrone and oestradiol-17β throughout the last three weeks ante partum, the output of the total oestrogens did not exceed 5 mg per day. The results are discussed with regard to the rôle of the maternal and foetal adrenals in placental steroidogenesis.