Glycogen deposition in fetal mouse tissues and the effect of dexamethasone.

Glycogen in fetal mouse tissues was isolated and determined using the anthrone method on gestational days 14-19. Fetal liver showed rapid glycogen deposition after gestational day 17, reaching a value of 46.7 mg/g wet weight on day 19. Heart and placenta showed sizable glycogen stores earlier, with peak values of 21.7 and 12.8 mg/g, respectively, on day 16 which declined thereafter. Lung maintained approximately 10 mg/g days 16-19; gut and brain contained approximately 2 and 4 mg/g, respectively. days 14-19. After injection of dexamethasone into mothers on gestational day 15.5, 16 h prior to assay, the glycogen content of liver increased approximately tenfold, while placental glycogen declined. This indicates that corticosteroids merely accelerate the pattern observed in the normal course of gestation.