ISSN:
1432-198X
Keywords:
Microproteins
;
Amniotic fluid
;
Fetal maturation
;
Fetal kidney function
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Protein content and protein composition were studied in amniotic fluid obtained from 171 healthy pregnant women between the 16th and 38th week of gestation, using microgradient gel electrophoresis to separate proteins according to their molecular size into albumin (68 KD), proteins of low molecular weight (LMW proteins, 〈68 KD), and proteins of high molecular weight (HMW proteins, 〉68 KD). Additionally α-1-microglobulin (α-1-MG, 33 KD) and β-2-microglobulin (β-2-MG, 11,8 KD) were analysed as micromolecular marker proteins. Concentrations of LMW proteins were 0.15–0.22 g/l, of α-1-MG 28.4–34.5 mg/l, and of β-2-MG 7.2–11.6 mg/l during the second trimester of gestation, and thereafter decreased progressively to 0.03 g/l, 14.1 mg/l and 2.4 mg/l respectively near term. The same developmental trends were confirmed by calculating the protein/creatinine ratios in amniotic fluid. The concentrations of LMW proteins found in the first postnatal urine of 73 healthy infants born prematurely or at term were similar to those in amniotic fluid of corresponding fetal age. Concentrations of albumin and HMW proteins in postnatal urine were about 5% and 15% respectively when compared with amniotic fluid concentrations. No strong correlation existed between gestational age and either of the analysed proteins which would allow accurate assessment of fetal maturation by protein analysis in amniotic fluid. It is concluded that fetal urinary excretion is the major determinant of the microprotein content of amniotic fluid. Microproteins seem to reflect an increasing tubular reabsorption capacity, which accelerates rapidly after the second trimester of gestation.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00853591
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