Endocrine influences on pulmonary maturation and the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio in the fetal baboon.

By utilizing the baboon model system, preliminary data indicate that intra-amniotic dexamethasone caused an increase in the L/S ratio. Metopirone 11-betahydroxylase inhibition prevented the expected increase in the L/S ratio without influencing pulmonary distensibility, stability on deflation, or lung mince minimal surface tension. Infants born at term to Metopirone-treated baboons were free of pulmonary distress and survived to adolescence.