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Pituitary-Gonadal Relations in Infancy: 2. Patterns of Serum Gonadal Steroid Concentrations in Man from Birth to Two Years of Age

Departments of Paediatrics, Physiology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Manitoba, and the Endocrine-Metabolism Laboratory, Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Reprints: Dr. J. S. D. Winter, Health Sciences Centre, Children's Centre, 685 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0W1, Canada.

Testosterone, estradiol, 17OH-progesterone, and androstenedione (except in cord samples) concentrations were determined in cord sera (30 male and 14 female) and in peripheral sera from infants (121 male and 110 female), age 1 day to 2 years. Male and female cord serum levels of these steroids were not significantly different. In both sexes levels during the first week were lower than those in cord sera. In male infants serum testosterone and 17OH-progesterone levels rose sharply in die second week of life, reached a peak at 1–2 months, and then declined to the range seen in later childhood by 6 months of age; male serum androstenedione and estradiol concentrations were higher during the first 2 months of life, but no distinct pattern of rise and fall was seen. In girls serum testosterone levels fell in the first week to the range seen throughout childhood; serum concentrations of estradiol, androstenedione, and 17OH-progesterone in girls were markedly variable, with many values above the childhood range being seen, particularly in the first 6 months. These data provide further evidence of active Leydig cell function in male infants. They suggest that there is also ovarian secretion of sex steroids in some female infants in response to the elevated FSH and LH levels which are seen at this time.

Supported by grants from the Medical Research Council of Canada (MT 2997) and the Children's Hospital of Winnipeg Research Foundation. Dr. Winter is a Queen Elizabeth II Scientist. Dr. Hughes is supported by an MRC Fellowship.

Presented in part to the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation, Winnipeg, January 21, 1975.

Received August 7, 1975.

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