Abstract
To examine the effect of prenatal steroids on fetal intestinal maturation, eight pregnant rabbits received either dexamethasone (Dex) or saline (Cont) on Days 25-27 of a 31-day gestation. As the rabbit provides a model of growth retardation based on uterine position, fetuses were identified as favored (Fav) or runt(Runt), generating four study groups: ContFav, ContRunt, DexFav, and DexRunt. On Day 31 the small intestinal uptake of glucose and proline was measured by an everted sleeve technique. Additionally, lactase and maltase activity was determined. Small intestinal length and nutrient uptake was significantly increased in the Dex fetuses. Control runts had a trend to decreased levels of nutrient uptake when compared to their favored counterparts. This trend reversed in the Dex fetuses with runt nutrient uptake surpassing that of the favored fetus. A trend to increased enzyme activity of both lactase and maltase was demonstrated. This report provides the first description of maternal steroid administration causing a marked increase in fetal small intestinal length and glucose and praline absorption in an in vivo model of intrauterine growth retardation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
