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Development and Function of the Human Fetal Adrenal Cortex: A Key Component in the Feto-Placental Unit

Endocrine reviews, 2011-06, Vol.32 (3), p.317-355 [Peer Reviewed Journal]

Copyright © 2011 by The Endocrine Society ;2015 INIST-CNRS ;Copyright © 2011 by The Endocrine Society 2011 ;ISSN: 0163-769X ;EISSN: 1945-7189 ;DOI: 10.1210/er.2010-0001 ;PMID: 21051591 ;CODEN: ERVIDP

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  • Title:
    Development and Function of the Human Fetal Adrenal Cortex: A Key Component in the Feto-Placental Unit
  • Author: Ishimoto, Hitoshi ; Jaffe, Robert B
  • Subjects: Adrenal Cortex - embryology ; Adrenal Cortex - physiology ; Biological and medical sciences ; Female ; Fetal Development - physiology ; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology ; Humans ; Neovascularization, Physiologic - physiology ; Parturition - physiology ; Placenta - embryology ; Placenta - physiology ; Pregnancy ; Reviews ; Vertebrates: endocrinology
  • Is Part Of: Endocrine reviews, 2011-06, Vol.32 (3), p.317-355
  • Description: The human fetal adrenal cortex, a pivotal member of the feto-placental unit, is a relatively large organ with steroidogenic activity that is spatially, temporally and functionally regulated. The present review aims to identify what we know and what we need to know about the developmental processes, functional aspects, and physiologic significance of this unique organ. Continuous efforts have been devoted to unraveling the biophysiology and development of the human fetal adrenal cortex, which is structurally and functionally unique from other species. It plays a pivotal role, mainly through steroidogenesis, in the regulation of intrauterine homeostasis and in fetal development and maturation. The steroidogenic activity is characterized by early transient cortisol biosynthesis, followed by its suppressed synthesis until late gestation, and extensive production of dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate, precursors of placental estrogen, during most of gestation. The gland rapidly grows through processes including cell proliferation and angiogenesis at the gland periphery, cellular migration, hypertrophy, and apoptosis. Recent studies employing modern technologies such as gene expression profiling and laser capture microdissection have revealed that development and/or function of the fetal adrenal cortex may be regulated by a panoply of molecules, including transcription factors, extracellular matrix components, locally produced growth factors, and placenta-derived CRH, in addition to the primary regulator, fetal pituitary ACTH. The role of the fetal adrenal cortex in human pregnancy and parturition appears highly complex, probably due to redundant and compensatory mechanisms regulating these events. Mounting evidence indicates that actions of hormones operating in the human feto-placental unit are likely mediated by mechanisms including target tissue responsiveness, local metabolism, and bioavailability, rather than changes only in circulating levels. Comprehensive study of such molecular mechanisms and the newly identified factors implicated in adrenal development should help crystallize our understanding of the development and physiology of the human fetal adrenal cortex.
  • Publisher: Bethesda, MD: Endocrine Society
  • Language: English
  • Identifier: ISSN: 0163-769X
    EISSN: 1945-7189
    DOI: 10.1210/er.2010-0001
    PMID: 21051591
    CODEN: ERVIDP
  • Source: Geneva Foundation Free Medical Journals at publisher websites
    MEDLINE
    Alma/SFX Local Collection
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