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Development and Function of the Fetal Endocrine System

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Endocrinology of Pregnancy

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE,volume 9))

Abstract

Pregnancy is associated with numerous changes in maternal endocrine function and development of the fetal endocrine system. Although some intercommunication exists between the maternal and fetal endocrine systems, the placenta serves as an effective barrier to many potential maternal-fetal hormonal interactions. This chapter will focus on the ontogeny of fetal hormone production, regulation of fetal hormone synthesis, and fetal requirements for hormone secretion. Each of the major endocrine systems will be examined. Although the discussion will concentrate on evidence obtained during human fetal development, supplemental information from studies of fetal development in sheep and rodents, the two most widely used experimental models for fetal endocrine function, will be examined.

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Authors
  1. Tom E. Porter PhD
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Science and Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA

    Fuller W. Bazer PHD

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© 1998 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Porter, T.E. (1998). Development and Function of the Fetal Endocrine System. In: Bazer, F.W. (eds) Endocrinology of Pregnancy. Contemporary Endocrinology, vol 9. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-1804-3_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-1804-3_13

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-7291-5

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