Cortisol, corticosteroid-binding globulin and free cortisol index in cord blood and fetuses on GD 94.

<p>Sows were fed diets with adequate (AP, 12.1%), high (HP, 30%) and low (LP, 6.5%) protein concentrations throughout gestation and the cortisol and corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) concentrations and free cortisol index (FCI) in the endogenous (vena cava cranialis) and umbilical blood vessels of fetuses were measured on GD 94. Values are LS means + SE (AP, n = 80; HP, n = 81; LP, n = 80). Significant differences between diet groups are indicated by asterisks (*<i>P</i><0.05; **<i>P</i><0.01). A: cortisol concentrations were higher in the umbilical veins and arteries from HP fetuses compared to controls. B: CBG concentrations were reduced in the endogenous and umbilical blood vessels of LP fetuses compared to controls. C: calculated FCI in the endogenous and umbilical blood vessels of AP, HP and LP fetuses.