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THE EFFECT OF DEXAMETHASONE ON PREGNANCY IN THE RABBIT

On Days 13 and 14 of gestation in the rabbit, injections of cortisone acetate interrupt pregnancy by causing resorption of conceptuses (Robson & Sharaf, 1952). In the later stages of pregnancy, glucocorticoids administered to the mother have a shortening effect on gestation which is independent of a lethal effect on fetuses (Adams & Wagner, 1969). Large doses of glucocorticoids injected into the mother are known to induce premature delivery in sheep (Fylling, 1971), cows (Adams & Wagner, 1970) and goats (van Rensburg, 1970). Detailed investigations of the physiological significance of glucocorticoids in the termination of pregnancy in sheep and goats have revealed no consistent change in the plasma levels of maternal corticosteroids with advancing gestation (Paterson & Harrison, 1967; Thorburn, Nicol, Bassett, Shutt & Cox, 1972; Paterson