The effect of exogenous corticotrophin on steroid excretion in the newborn

The urinary excretion of the individual 3β-hydroxy-Δ5 steroids together with cortisol and the chromatographic bands of material containing its tetrahydrometabolites, have been studied in early infancy before and after stimulation by exogenous corticotrophin (ACTH). The average increase in the excretion of the Δ5 steroids after stimulation is relatively small (less than 185%) compared with the increase in cortisol and its metabolites (greater than 600%) and it is suggested that ACTH stimulation cannot be solely responsible for the formation of the considerable quantities of Δ5 steroids in early infancy and the high Δ5 steroid/cortisol production ratio in utero.