GH, ACTH, LH AND FSH BEHAVIOUR IN THE FIRST SEVEN DAYS OF LIFE

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
43 neonates, born vaginally after spontaneous labor between the 38th and the 42nd week of pregnancy, were examined. GH and ACTH levels were assayed in 14 newborn infants. LH and FSH were determined in the remaining 29 patients (16 boys and 13 girls). Samples were collected from all infants for the assay of the above mentioned hormones at the 2nd, 6th, 12th and 24th hour of life, then every day for 7 consecutive days. During the whole first week of life plasma GH gave values that were significantly higher than those found in subjects over four years of age. The highest mean value of plasma ACTH was found at the 2nd hour of life (162.2±34.1 pg/ml). Then, there is a significant fall in the hormone level beginning with the 12th hour (p<0.01). Minimum level was reached on the 7th day. Plasma hCG‐LH presents its maximum mean value at the 2nd hour, both in boys and girls (48.5±16.2 and 33.0±24.9 mU/ml, respectively). After this, plasma hCG‐LH decreases progressively. No significant differences between the two sexes were found. Even though the mean values of plasma FSH do not change significantly, during the whole test period, they do demonstrate a sex difference (significantly higher values in the females) from the fifth day afterwards.