Effects of prenatally administered thyroid hormones or glucocorticoids on maturation of kidney function in newborn rats.

Influences of treatment with thyroid hormones or dexamethasone during pregnancy on development of kidney function were studied in newborn rats. Treatment of dams for 3 days is followed by a higher rate of urine production in newborn rats. A statistically significant raise of sodium/potassium ratio in tetraiodothyronine- or dexamethasone-treated rats indicates a higher degree of maturation of kidney function. Treatment of dams with dexamethasone is followed by an increase of absolute excreted quantities of sodium and potassium in newborn rats. Treatment of dams with triiodothyronine can increase renal excretion of p-aminohippurate in newborn rats.