The ovine fetal sympathoadrenal response to the maternal administration of methamphetamine

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that maternally administered methamphetamine would alter fetal sympathoadrenal actiVity. STUDY DESIGN: Six chronically catheterized near-term pregnant ewes received an intravenous bolus inJection of methamphetamine (1.25 mg/kg). Maternal and fetal arterial blood gas values, glucose, insulin, lactate, and catecholamines were measured in the control period and at 15, 30, 60. 90, 120, and 180 minutes after methamphetamine. RESULTS: Fetal P O 2 decreased from 21.4 ± 1.9 mm Hg at control measurement to 15.3 ± 3.3 mm Hg after 60 minutes ( p p p CONCLUSIONS: Maternal administration of methamphetamine is associated with a short-term increase in circulating fetal catecholalTlines followed by hyperglycemia, lactacidemia, and hyperinsulinemia. These findings suggest that the alteration of fetal sympathoadrenal activity may contribute to the various perinatal complications associated with methamphetamine use.