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Semin Reprod Med 2007; 25(1): 014-020
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-956772
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Human Fetal Adrenal Gland, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone, and Parturition

Victor E. Beshay2 , Bruce R. Carr1 , William E. Rainey2
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
  • 2Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
05 January 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Labor initiation is a complex process that remains to be fully elucidated. An area of active research involves the study of the different mechanisms that may lead to successful signaling for parturition. This review focuses on the fetal-derived signals that lead to the initiation of labor. These signals may also play a role in preterm labor when activated prematurely. Studying these signals may prove important in the prediction, diagnosis, and possible intervention in preterm labor.

KEYWORDS

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) - labor initiation - parturition - adrenal

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 Dr.
William E Rainey

Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia

1120 15th Street, CA3094, Augusta, GA 30912

Email: WRAINEY@MCG.EDU