The adrenal cortex in the fetus and neonate

摘要: Publisher Summary Fetal adrenal has the same intrinsic properties and responds to pituitary regulatory mechanisms as in postnatal life. The transformation of fetal zone cells occurs within a band small, dense cells, which are deficient smooth endoplasmic reticulum. essential role is be able secrete sufficient amounts cortisol aldosterone permit survival immediately after parturition. major factors that militate against maintenance appropriate free levels utero include inhibition 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity by placental intra-adrenal steroids rapid peripheral metabolism cortisone. characteristic zonal morphology cortex reflects response necessarily high plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), reduction ACTH release consistently followed involution. In normal course events, this parturition becomes transformed zona fasciculata. Neither nor possesses unique functions; however, each forced perform its usual tasks somewhat difficult environment.