Epinephrine and norepinephrine in pregnancy: A comparative study of the adrenal gland and catechol output in different species of animals and man

Abstract

The purpose of these studies was to determine the adrenal medullary changes produced by pregnancy and evaluate urinary output of epinephrine and norepinephrine during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. The adrenals of 18 goats, 12 sheep, 42 cats, and 45 rats were obtained at various times during pregnancy and the postpartum period and bioassayed for epinephrine and norepinephrine. Further, daily 24 hr. urinary outputs of epinephrine and norepinephrine were determined on 20 women during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. The results indicate that pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period produce no significant alterations in the epinephrine and norepinephrine content of the adrenal gland (Tables I to IV). Urinary output of epinephrine and norepinephrine during the course of pregnancy remains within normal limits until the onset of labor. Concomitant with the onset of labor, there is a marked increase in the output of both epinephrine and norepinephrine, especially the latter (Table VI). Further, after delivery, there is also a gradual increase in both hormones, reaching the highest level at the 6 to 18 hr. postpartum period (Tables V and VII). A patient with hydatidiform mole of the Destrusens type showed a normal urinary output of epinephrine and norepinephrine; small amounts of epinephrine and norepinephrine were demonstrated in the mole.