Fig. 2.

Plasma concentrations of ACTH_1-39 (A), ACTH precursors (B), and cortisol (C) in long-term hypoxic (LTH; n = 4) and control (n = 4) fetal sheep during infusion of saline as described in methods (means ± SE). Blood samples were collected at the indicated times. As analyzed by ANOVA, basal plasma concentrations of ACTH_1-39 and ACTH precursors were significantly elevated in LTH compared with control fetal sheep (P < 0.05). There were no differences in plasma cortisol between the two groups. Saline infusion did not elevate ACTH_1–39, ACTH precursors, or cortisol in either group.