| Neuroendocrinology of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in pregnancy and the puerperium. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 2039426 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Plasma cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), beta-endorphin and corticotrophin releasing hormone or factor (CRF) all rise progressively as pregnancy advances, and fall postnatally. The placenta produces large amounts of CRF in the third trimester and this is released into the maternal circulation. Present evidence suggests that it stimulates the maternal pituitary to produce ACTH while desensitizing the maternal pituitary to further stimulation with CRF. Maternal control of ACTH production is retained, allowing a persistent response to stress and a diurnal rhythm, perhaps through the secretion of vasopressin. The placenta also produces pro-opiomelanocortin peptides; however, the nature of the fragments produced from the precursor differs from that formed in the anterior pituitary of the mother and the role of these fragments in the control of maternal adrenal function is unclear. These changes in the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis during pregnancy are associated with loss of the normal suppression of cortisol by dexamethasone and elevated basal levels of cortisol with preservation of a diurnal rhythm, features also found in some patients with endogenous depression. Several studies have suggested a relationship between alterations in maternal concentrations of cortisol and beta-endorphin and the development of postnatal mood disturbances. |
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Authors:
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R Smith; M Thomson |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Review |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Baillière's clinical endocrinology and metabolism Volume: 5 ISSN: 0950-351X ISO Abbreviation: Baillieres Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. Publication Date: 1991 Mar |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 1991-07-02 Completed Date: 1991-07-02 Revised Date: 2005-11-16 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 8704785 Medline TA: Baillieres Clin Endocrinol Metab Country: ENGLAND |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 167-86 Citation Subset: IM |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Adrenal Glands
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physiology* Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / physiology Female Humans Hydrocortisone / physiology Hypothalamus / physiology* Pituitary Gland / physiology* Postpartum Period / physiology*, psychology Pregnancy / physiology*, psychology Pro-Opiomelanocortin / physiology |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
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50-23-7/Hydrocortisone; 66796-54-1/Pro-Opiomelanocortin; 9015-71-8/Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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