Repeated ultrasound guided fetal injections of corticosteroid alter nervous system maturation in the ovine fetus. 2001

J A Quinlivan, and L D Beazley, and C R Braekevelt, and S F Evans, and J P Newnham, and S A Dunlop
University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Australia, Australia. Julie.Quinlivan@fmc.sa.gov.au

BACKGROUND Recent studies in sheep have shown that repeated maternal injections of betamethasone are associated with adverse effects within the nervous system. Repeated fetal injections of betamethasone achieve serial improvements in preterm lung function in sheep and are a possible alternative to repeated maternal therapy. We have evaluated the effect of repeated fetal administration of betamethasone on nervous system maturation in an ovine model. METHODS Date-mated ewes (n = 48) were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided fetal injections of betamethasone or saline between days 104 to 124 of gestation and were delivered by cesarean section on day 125 or 145 (term = 150). Optic and sciatic nerves were prepared for light and electronmicroscopy. Eye diameters were measured and transverse sections of retinae were evaluated. Data were analyzed using a mixed model analysis of variance. RESULTS Repeated fetal administration of corticosteroid did not significantly affect optic nerve myelination but resulted in significant delays in sciatic axonal growth (p < 0.02) and retinal maturation (p < 0.04). The process of performing repeated fetal injections also significantly affected some retinal parameters. CONCLUSIONS Repeated fetal administration of betamethasone alters some aspects of nervous system maturation in sheep. It is premature to plan trials of repeated fetal corticosteroid therapy in humans.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007267 Injections Introduction of substances into the body using a needle and syringe. Injectables,Injectable,Injection
D009186 Myelin Sheath The lipid-rich sheath surrounding AXONS in both the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEMS and PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. The myelin sheath is an electrical insulator and allows faster and more energetically efficient conduction of impulses. The sheath is formed by the cell membranes of glial cells (SCHWANN CELLS in the peripheral and OLIGODENDROGLIA in the central nervous system). Deterioration of the sheath in DEMYELINATING DISEASES is a serious clinical problem. Myelin,Myelin Sheaths,Sheath, Myelin,Sheaths, Myelin
D009420 Nervous System The entire nerve apparatus, composed of a central part, the brain and spinal cord, and a peripheral part, the cranial and spinal nerves, autonomic ganglia, and plexuses. (Stedman, 26th ed) Nervous Systems,System, Nervous,Systems, Nervous
D009900 Optic Nerve The 2nd cranial nerve which conveys visual information from the RETINA to the brain. The nerve carries the axons of the RETINAL GANGLION CELLS which sort at the OPTIC CHIASM and continue via the OPTIC TRACTS to the brain. The largest projection is to the lateral geniculate nuclei; other targets include the SUPERIOR COLLICULI and the SUPRACHIASMATIC NUCLEI. Though known as the second cranial nerve, it is considered part of the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. Cranial Nerve II,Second Cranial Nerve,Nervus Opticus,Cranial Nerve, Second,Cranial Nerves, Second,Nerve, Optic,Nerve, Second Cranial,Nerves, Optic,Nerves, Second Cranial,Optic Nerves,Second Cranial Nerves
D011247 Pregnancy The status during which female mammals carry their developing young (EMBRYOS or FETUSES) in utero before birth, beginning from FERTILIZATION to BIRTH. Gestation,Pregnancies
D012160 Retina The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the OPTIC NERVE and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its outer surface is in contact with the CHOROID and the inner surface with the VITREOUS BODY. The outer-most layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent. Ora Serrata
D005260 Female Females
D005865 Gestational Age The age of the conceptus, beginning from the time of FERTILIZATION. In clinical obstetrics, the gestational age is often estimated from the onset of the last MENSTRUATION which is about 2 weeks before OVULATION and fertilization. It is also estimated to begin from fertilization, estrus, coitus, or artificial insemination. Embryologic Age,Fetal Maturity, Chronologic,Chronologic Fetal Maturity,Fetal Age,Maturity, Chronologic Fetal,Age, Embryologic,Age, Fetal,Age, Gestational,Ages, Embryologic,Ages, Fetal,Ages, Gestational,Embryologic Ages,Fetal Ages,Gestational Ages
D000305 Adrenal Cortex Hormones HORMONES produced by the ADRENAL CORTEX, including both steroid and peptide hormones. The major hormones produced are HYDROCORTISONE and ALDOSTERONE. Adrenal Cortex Hormone,Corticoid,Corticoids,Corticosteroid,Corticosteroids,Cortex Hormone, Adrenal,Hormone, Adrenal Cortex,Hormones, Adrenal Cortex
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia

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