Influence of maternal epinephrine on behavior of offspring

Abstract In order to observe the influence of maternal epinephrine on fetal outcome, two groups of 10 rats each received epinephrine during different periods of gestation. A third group served as controls. In the group receiving the drug during the first 6 days, 6 failed to produce any offspring. Newborn weight was significantly lower in this group also. A sample of the offspring of rats receiving epinephrine on the seventh to twelfth day of gestation revealed significant behavioral differences compared to control group offspring. The etiologic factor thought to be responsible for these findings was intrauterine fetal anoxia secondary to placental vasoconstriction produced by epinephrine.