Free and sulfoconjugated dehydroepiandrosterone, cyclic adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate, and free estriol in maternal and cord blood

When free DHEA, its sulfatide, and sulfate were assayed in maternal plasma as well as in umbilical cord arterial and venous plasma, rather high concentrations were found in either fraction from cord arterial plasma, reflecting the fetal contribution not only of free DHEA and DHEA sulfate, but also of the lipophile steroid sulfatide. Since high DHEA levels were associated with elevated c-AMP concentrations, a certain interrelationship of both parameters is indicated. In the course of delivery, a rapid decrease of free estriol in maternal plasma was observed. Higher concentration of free estriol in umbilical venous plasma pointed at its placental biosynthesis from fetal precursors.