This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. There is considerable evidence from rats and sheep that the way that factors in the environment produce developmental programming is through hormones secreted by both the mother and the fetus. Women in premature labor often receive high doses of glucocorticoid hormones. In addition stress in the mother produces high doses of glucocorticoids. In both of these cases the fetus is exposed to inappropriate amounts of glucocorticoid for his/her current stage of development. We are particularly interested in the effects of fetal exposure to glucocorticoids on the fetal cardiovascular system. We have extensive information to show that fetal exposure to glucocorticoids in sheep does predispose sheep to high blood pressure both as fetuses and as adults. The time has come to use this background knowledge to see if similar effects are observed in the baboon. This study will monitor the offspring until 2 years old (hormonal evaluation and blood collection). The morphometric measurement of infants and juveniles will provide the information about function of pituitary adrenal stress axis and growth with special reference to growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor function. Since mothers will be exposed to the triple course of betamethasone, we will also perform the morphometric measurements of dams. The value of these studies is that the knowledge of the mechanism will allow us to suggest ways of avoiding the problems and also of treating them in human fetuses. By studying the changes produced in different endocrine glands and response of small resistance arteries to exposure to levels of glucocorticoid that are inappropriate for the current stage of fetal development we will be able to evaluate the mechanisms that underlie effects in the womb.
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