ELEVATION OF DOPAMINE IN FETAL PLASMA AND THE AMNIOTIC FLUID DURING GESTATION*†

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Abstract
Catecholamines were determined by a radioenzymatic assay in maternal and fetal rat plasma and in the amniotic fluid during the last 5 days of gestation. Dopamine was significantly higher in fetal than in maternal plasma; norepinephrine was the same. Epinephrine was significantly lower in fetal than in maternal plasma on days 18 and 19, but was the same during the remainder of gestation. Dopamine was the predominant catecholamine in the amniotic fluid on days 20-22 of gestation showing the largest percent increase prior to parturition. Dopamine may have a peripheral hormonal role during fetal development and parturition.