Adrenocortical-related maturational events in the fetus.

In various organs in fetal animals, maturation is inducible by corticosteroids and delayed by hypophysectomy. A surge of corticosteroid in the fetal circulation preceding parturition may cause rapid organ maturation and enhanced viability. Since this phase of accelerated maturation is linked to the parturitional mechanisms, the changes can be termed collectively "preparation for birth." Support for similar adrenocortical-related maturation of organs in the human fetus is less clear-cut. Nevertheless, evidence is accumulating to suggest that a similar concept can be usefully applied in man.