In utero Evidence for a Functional Fetoplacental Unit in Rhesus Monkeys1

Abstract
To test the hypothesis that a fetoplacental unit for estrogen biosynthesis is operative in the rhesus monkey, studies were performed in chronically catheterized animals during late gestation. Changes in fetal and maternal plasma concentrations of estrone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and androstenedione were determined in response to infusions of dexamethasone into mothers, and of ACTH, DHEAS, or androstenedione into fetuses.