Prenatal Glucocorticoid Administration and the Development of the Epinephrine-Forming Enzyme. ∗

Summary

The administration of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone to pregnant rats raised the activity of the adrenal epinephrine-forming enzyme (PNMT) in the 21-day-old offspring. Adrenal epinephrine content was also elevated at 21 and 45 days. Heart PNMT activity was raised in the immediate postnatal period in the progeny of steroid-treated mothers, although enzyme activity returned to control values at 21 days. Brain PNMT activity was unaffected by steroid treatment.