Possible role of uterine contractions in the short-term fluctuations of plasma ACTH concentration in fetal sheep

Abstract

Uterine contractions, induced by the administration of oxytocin to sheep between d 123-144 of pregnancy, were associated with a mean transient decrease in fetal PaO2 of 2.8 mm Hg within 5 min. These changes were associated with a rapid increase in the concentration of ACTH in fetal plasma. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in the percentage change (+40 to +47%) over basal ACTH levels in fetal plasma at +5, +15 and +20 min after oxytocin. Administration of saline had no significant effect on intrauterine pressure, fetal PaO2 or fetal plasma ACTH levels. We speculate that increases in fetal PaO2 may contribute to short-term fluctuations in plasma ACTH in fetal sheep.