Fetal Effects of Steroid Therapy During Pregnancy

Abstract

CHICAGOMasculinization of the female fetus by androgens given to the mother is well established. The purpose of this study is to determine whether feminization in the male infant occurs when estrogens are administered in pregnancy.Jones and Wilkins 1 have summarized recent concepts of the development of sexual structures. Experimental observations on a variety of mammals and marsupials were performed during the indifferent or bisexual phase of sexual differentiation.2 At this point the embryo has both wolffian and m\l=u"\llerianducts. The external genitalia are underdeveloped and are capable of development in either direction, male or female. If