Corticotrophin-releasing hormone-binding protein in human fetal plasma

1995 ◽  
Vol 146 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
A V Perkins ◽  
C D A Wolfe ◽  
F Eben ◽  
P Soothill ◽  
E A Linton
Keyword(s):  
Binding Protein ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Gel Permeation Chromatography ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Maternal Circulation ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Hormone Binding Protein ◽  
The Mean

Abstract During pregnancy maternal plasma corticotrophinreleasing hormone (CRH) levels rise 1000-fold whilst fetal plasma levels are often 100-fold higher than the concentrations seen in normal non-pregnant human plasma. Despite these high CRH levels neither the maternal nor fetal pituitary releases excessive amounts of ACTH. A specific CRH-binding protein (CRHBP) exists in the maternal circulation which is able to bind and inactivate the ACTH releasing activity of CRH. In this study we have used a specific CRHBP radioimmunoassay to determine the level of CRHBP in fetal and maternal plasma samples. Fetal samples were collected by cordocentesis between 20 and 33 weeks gestation and matched maternal samples were taken by venepuncture at the same time. In a second study, plasma samples were collected from 8 women at fortnightly intervals from week 20 to term, at labour and post-partum. A fetal sample, taken from the umbilical vein, was collected immediately post-delivery. The mean maternal CRHBP concentration for the samples collected between 20 and 33 weeks (n=23) was 8·12 nmol/l and the fetal level was 8·62 nmol/l. Data from the second study showed that at term the maternal CRHBP concentration decreased significantly (P<0·025) to 6·32 nmol/l. The fetal CRHBP level also decreased significantly (P<0·001) at term to a level of 5·84 nmol/l. The CRHBP in both fetal and maternal plasma was shown to be functional by 125I-CRH binding and gel permeation chromatography. The capacity of maternal and fetal plasma to bind 125I-CRH decreased at term in agreement with the quantitation of plasma CRHBP by radioimmunoassay. Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 146, 395–401

Determination of insulin-like growth factor-2 in feto-maternal circulation during human pregnancy

1992 ◽  
Vol 127 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiro Kubota ◽  
Shusaku Kamada ◽  
Makoto Taguchi ◽  
Takeshi Aso
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Main Peak ◽  
Gel Chromatography ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Maternal Circulation ◽  
Human Pregnancy ◽  
Fetal Plasma

In order to clarify the roles of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) on the human maternal-fetal environment, IGF-2 and IGF-1 levels were investigated in human plasma and amniotic fluid during pregnancy. Initially, new radio-immunoassay (RIA) systems for human IGF-2 could be developed. The sensitivity of this assay was 17.5 pg/tube and the cross-reactivity with IGF-1 was 0.64%. The pattern of change of maternal plasma IGF-2 in early pregnancy differed from that of IGF-1, but both IGF levels increased progressively in the second half of gestation, and decreased to non-pregnancy levels in the puerperium. Maternal levels of IGF-2 were approximately seven times greater than those of IGF-1. The ratio of IGF-2 to IGF-1 was 3.2 in amniotic fluid. The IGF concentrations in amniotic fluid obtained in the second trimester were significantly greater than those of term specimens, and closely related to those of prolactin (PRL) in amniotic fluid. The highest IGF-2 to IGF-1 ratio (1 5.9) was found in umbilical vein plasma. On Sephadex G-150 gel-chromatography of maternal and fetal plasma at term, two apparent peaks of unsaturated IGF-2 binding protein (BP) could be detected in both 150 and 40 kilo dalton (kD) regions. One main peak of unsaturated IGF-2 BP could be determined in the 40 kD region in the amniotic fluid at term. High concentration of IGF-2 could be detected in feto-maternal circulation during human pregnancy. Moreover, it is strongly suggested that the releasing systems of IGFs in amniotic fluid are different from those in maternal or umbilical circulation.

scholarly journals Corticotrophin-releasing hormone and ACTH levels in maternal and fetal blood during spontaneous and oxytocin-induced labour

2001 ◽  
Vol 144 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Ochedalski ◽  
K Zylinska ◽  
T Laudanski ◽  
A Lachowicz
Keyword(s):  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Plasma Acth ◽  
Releasing Hormone ◽  
Umbilical Vessels ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
Second Stage Of Labour ◽  
The Mean

The changes in corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), ACTH and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in maternal and fetal plasma were estimated in women undergoing spontaneous and oxytocin-induced labour to correlate hormone changes with the mode of parturition. Blood was sampled from a maternal peripheral vein 2 days before labour, during the second stage of labour and on the second postnatal day, and also from umbilical vessels just after delivery. Hormone concentrations were measured by RIA and ELSA methods. The maternal plasma CRH concentration before labour was significantly higher in the group of women delivered spontaneously and declined during the labour through to the second postnatal day. Measured in umbilical vessels, CRH as well as ACTH concentrations were higher in the umbilical vein than artery. The mean maternal plasma ACTH was similar in both groups before delivery, then increased significantly in both groups during the labour, decreasing on the second day after delivery. There were no changes in DHEA concentrations among the groups and at all time points of collection. No correlations between CRH and ACTH or DHEA were observed. Our results suggest that the maternal pituitary can respond to stress factors during delivery but peripheral CRH, probably mainly of placental origin, is not a major modulator of pituitary action.

Increase in the concentration of immunoreactive endothelin in human pregnancy

1991 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Iwata ◽  
T. Takagi ◽  
K. Yamaji ◽  
O. Tanizawa
Keyword(s):  
Detection Limit ◽  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Vaginal Delivery ◽  
Umbilical Artery ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACT Maternal plasma concentrations of immunoreactive endothelin (ir-ET) during pregnancy, labour and after birth were measured by radioimmunoassay. Concentrations of ir-ET in the umbilical artery, umbilical vein, amniotic fluid and neonatal urine were also examined. The mean (± s.e.m.) plasma ir-ET concentration in early pregnancy (4–7 weeks) was 13·7±0·5 pmol/l, which was significantly higher than that in non-pregnant women (5·9±0·3 pmol/l). During pregnancy, plasma ir-ET concentrations gradually decreased to a minimum of 11·5±0·4 pmol/l in weeks 20–23, and then increased again towards term (12·5±0·4 pmol/l after 36 weeks of pregnancy). In women undergoing vaginal delivery, the mean plasma ir-ET concentration (17·1±0·7 pmol/l) increased significantly, compared with that in late pregnancy. After delivery, the plasma ir-ET concentration decreased abruptly to 4·0±0·2 pmol/l on the first day. Plasma ir-ET concentrations in umbilical vessels were significantly higher than those in maternal plasma. In addition, concentrations in the umbilical artery were significantly higher than those in the umbilical vein in cases of vaginal delivery. Concentrations of ir-ET in amniotic fluid were much higher than those in maternal or fetal plasma. ir-ET concentrations in neonatal urine on day 1 after birth were below the detection limit (< 0·1 pmol/l) by radioimmunoassay in 70% of the cases examined but on day 5 after birth ir-ET was present at measurable concentrations in all cases. It is suggested that endothelin may act as a circulating hormone during pregnancy and labour in both maternal and fetal circulations. Journal of Endocrinology (1991) 129, 301–307

Carnitine in the Perinatal Metabolism of Lipids I. Relationship Between Maternal and Fetal Plasma Levels of Carnitine and Acylcarnitines

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-100
Author(s):  
Milan Novak ◽  
Ellen F. Monkus ◽  
Dina Chung ◽  
Maria Buch
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Fatty Acid Oxidation ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Free Carnitine ◽  
Acid Oxidation ◽  
Limited Capacity ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Arterial Plasma

Since premature infants have a limited capacity for fatty acid oxidation, supplementation with carnitine may improve their utilization of fat. Documentation of the source and extent of fetal carnitine reserves should explain the possible need for exogenous carnitine in the neonate. Correlation between free carnitine concentration in maternal and umbilical arterial plasma at birth (r = .45, P &lt; .01) indicates that the initial concentration of free carnitine in the newborn depends on the maternal level. Thin-layer chromatography shows more γ-butyrobetaine in maternal than umbilical arterial plasma indicating higher availability of the precursor of carnitine biosynthesis. Elevated fatty acid oxidation in maternal tissues seems to be reflected by larger amounts of long-chain acylcarnitines in maternal plasma. Shortchain acylcarnitines, mainly acetylcarnitine, are higher in the umbilical vein than in maternal plasma (P &lt; .01) indicating that the conceptus (the placenta or fetus) is either producing more or utilizing less acetylcarnitine. Plasma levels of carnitine rapidly decrease in premature newborns during the first three days after birth if no exogenous carnitine is given (P &lt; .001), while no significant changes of total carnitine were detected in adult patients on total parenteral alimentation for one week. This difference indicates lower carnitine depots or limited capacity for carnitine biosynthesis in neonates. The possibility still requires further investigation that the development of the optimal rate of fatty acid oxidation in human newborns, as well as in other newborn mammals, may depend on the supply of exogenous carnitine.

scholarly journals Plasma growth hormone and growth hormone-binding protein during development in the marsupial brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

2002 ◽  
Vol 173 (3) ◽  
pp. 507-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
MC Saunders ◽  
RT Gemmell ◽  
MJ Waters ◽  
JD Curlewis
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Hormone Binding ◽  
Adult Individual ◽  
Gh Receptor ◽  
Growth Hormone Binding Protein ◽  
Hormone Binding Protein

Plasma concentrations of growth hormone (GH) were measured in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) pouch young from 25 through to 198 days post-partum (n=71). GH concentrations were highest early in pouch life (around 100 ng/ml), and thereafter declined in an exponential fashion to reach adult concentrations (10.8+/-1.8 ng/ml; n=21) by approximately 121-145 days post-partum, one to two months before the young is weaned. Growth hormone-binding protein (GHBP), which has been shown to modify the cellular actions of GH in eutherian mammals, was identified for the first time in a marsupial. Based on size exclusion gel filtration, possum GHBP had an estimated molecular mass of approximately 65 kDa, similar to that identified in other mammalian species, and binding of (125)I-labelled human GH (hGH) was displaced by excess hGH (20 microg). An immunoprecipitation method, in which plasma GHBP was rendered polyethylene glycol precipitable with a monoclonal antibody to the rabbit GHBP/GH receptor (MAb 43) and labelled with (125)I-hGH, was used to quantitate plasma GHBP by Scatchard analysis in the developing (pooled plasma samples) and adult (individual animals) possums. Binding affinity (K(a)) values in pouch young aged between 45 and 54 and 144 and 153 days post-partum varied between 1.0 and 2.4 x 10(9)/M, which was slightly higher than that in adult plasma (0.96+/-0.2 x 10(9)/M, n=6). Binding capacity (B(max)) values increased from non-detectable levels in animals aged 25-38 days post-partum to reach concentrations around half that seen in the adult (1.4+/-0.2 x 10(-9) M) by about 117 days post-partum and remained at this level until 153 days post-partum. Therefore, in early pouch life when plasma GH concentrations are highest, the very low concentrations of GHBP are unlikely to be important in terms of competing with GH-receptor for ligand or altering the half-life of circulating GH.

SOMATOMEDIN-LIKE ACTIVITY IN PLASMA AFTER FOETAL HYPOPHYSECTOMY OR NEPHRECTOMY AND IN EXPERIMENTAL INTRA-UTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION IN SHEEP

1979 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. FALCONER ◽  
J. M. FORBES ◽  
I. C. HART ◽  
J. S. ROBINSON ◽  
G. D. THORBURN
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Growth Retardation ◽  
Costal Cartilage ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Foetal Growth ◽  
Uterine Growth ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Intra Uterine Growth Retardation

SUMMARY Plasma samples from pregnant ewes and their foetuses during the last quarter of gestation were assayed for somatomedin-like activity (SLA) using the porcine costal cartilage assay. In maternal plasma, the mean potency (compared with pooled serum from six sheep) was 0·84 ± 0·05 (s.e.m.) units/ml (n = 15). Somatomedin-like activity in the plasma of five control foetuses (0·91 ± 0·1 units/ml) was similar to the maternal levels and did not change with gestational age. After foetal hypophysectomy the SLA in foetal plasma (0·37 ± 0·05 units/ ml, n = 4) was significantly less than in control animals. In two nephrectomized foetuses, the mean SLA in plasma (0·08 and 0·51 units/ml respectively) was less than in control animals. Retardation of intra-uterine foetal growth was induced by removal of endometrial caruncles before pregnancy in four sheep. The SLA in plasma from these foetuses was 0·38 ± 0·05 units/ml (P< 0·01 v. control animals). The results suggest that SLA in the foetus may be important in the regulation of foetal growth, but they also indicate that factors other than growth hormone may be important in the control of SLA in foetal plasma.

CONCENTRATIONS OF PLACENTAL LACTOGEN IN CHRONICALLY CATHETERIZED EWES AND FETUSES IN LATE PREGNANCY

1980 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. TAYLOR ◽  
G. JENKIN ◽  
J. S. ROBINSON ◽  
G. D. THORBURN ◽  
H. FRIESEN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Fetal Weight ◽  
Placental Lactogen ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference

SUMMARY The concentration of ovine placental lactogen (oPL) was measured by radioimmunoassay in plasma samples from chronically catheterized ewes and their fetuses from day 110 of gestation to term (about day 145). Concentrations of oPL in the plasma of the mother and fetus were raised after surgery, and remained raised for 3–5 days after the operation. Concentrations of oPL were greatest in the fetus at days 120–124 of gestation, and then declined until delivery. Mean concentrations of oPL in the fetus in late pregnancy for single, twin and triplet pregnancies were 101±6 (s.e.m.), 100±11 and 117±59 ng/ml respectively and were not significantly different. Mean concentrations of oPL in the mother in late pregnancy for single, twin and triplet pregnancies were 718±227, 1387±160 and 1510±459 ng/ml respectively; the difference between these means was significant (P <0·05). Peak concentrations were noted at days 130–139 of gestation after which concentrations fell and were significantly lower on the day of delivery (P <0·01). Concentrations of oPL in the mother showed no circadian rhythm. The mean concentrations of oPL in maternal plasma during late pregnancy was significantly correlated to the combined fetal weight at birth (r = 0·624, P <0·01).

scholarly journals Retinol transport proteins and concentrations in human amniotic fluid, placenta, and fetal and maternal sera

1985 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 577-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Sklan ◽  
I. Shalit ◽  
N. Lasebnik ◽  
Z. Spirer ◽  
Y. Weisman
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Umbilical Artery ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Retinol Binding Protein ◽  
Human Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Maternal Circulation ◽  
Plasma Retinol

1. The proteins binding retinol, and retinol concentrations, were determined in amniotic fluid, placental cytosol and in the fetal and maternal circulation.2. In non-pregnant women, plasma retinol was almost exclusively found in a transthyretin-retinol-binding-protein complex whereas, in pregnant women, retinol-binding-protein-bound retinol was observed not complexed to transthyretin. This latter fraction increased in concentration with fetal age. These two fractions were the major retinol-protein complexes in amniotic fluid and their relative amounts changed with progress of gestation.3. In fetal blood both of these fractions were again found, with higher proportions of retinol-binding- protein-bound retinol in the umbilical artery than in the umbilical vein.

Diamine oxidase activity in human maternal and fetal plasma and tissues at parturition

1965 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1048-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Louis Southren ◽  
Yutaka Kobayashi ◽  
Paul Brenner ◽  
Allan B. Weingold
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Premature Infants ◽  
Oxidase Activity ◽  
Diamine Oxidase ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Full Term ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Diamine Oxidase Activity ◽  
The Mean

The human maternal-to-fetal plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) ratio was measured in 48 paired samples from full-term pregnancies. A radioassay procedure was employed. The over-all mean maternal-to-fetal (M/F) ratio was 166/1. In a series of 12 premature deliveries the mean M/F ratio was 21/1. The low M/F ratio in the latter group was due to a high mean plasma DAO titer in the premature infants. The relative DAO content of the various trophoblastic and decidual tissues and fluids at parturition in decreasing order of activity, were as follows: decidua = 5,200, membranes = 4,100, placenta = 1,400, amniotic fluid = 100, maternal plasma = 42, cord = 14, and fetal plasma = 1. The accumulated data support the concept of a decidual origin of pregnancy DAO. radioassay of diamine oxidase; prematurity; trophoblastic and decidual tissues; amniotic fluid Submitted on September 2, 1964

Transplacental Carbohydrate and Sugar Alcohol Concentrations and Their Uptakes in Ovine Pregnancy

2002 ◽  
Vol 227 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia C. Teng ◽  
Susan Tjoa ◽  
Paul V. Fennessey ◽  
Randall B. Wilkening ◽  
Frederick C. Battaglia
Keyword(s):  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Placental Tissue ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Blood Flows ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Umbilical Blood ◽  
Pregnant Sheep ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Uterine Circulation

The concentrations of glucose, fructose, sorbitol, glycerol, and myo-inositol in sheep blood and tissues have been reported previously (1–5). However, the other polyols that are at low concentrations have not been investigated in pregnant sheep due to technical difficulties. By using HPLC and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, seven polyols (myo-inositol, glycerol, erythritol, arabitol, sorbitol, ribitol, and mannitol) and three hexoses (mannose, glucose, and fructose) were identified and quantified in four blood vessels supplying and draining the placenta (maternal artery, uterine vein, fetal artery, and umbilical vein). Uterine and umbilical blood flows were measured, and uptakes of all the polyols and hexoses in both maternal and fetal circulations were calculated. There was a significant net placental release of sorbitol to both maternal and fetal circulations. Fructose was also taken up significantly by the uterine circulation. Maternal plasma mannose concentrations were higher than fetal concentrations, and there was a net umbilical uptake of mannose, characteristics that are similar to those of glucose. Myo-inositol and erythritol had relatively high concentrations in fetal plasma (697.8 ± 53 μM and 463.8 ± 27 μM, respectively). The ratios of fetal/maternal plasma arterial concentrations were very high for most polyols. The concentrations of myo-inositol, glycerol, and sorbitol were also high in sheep placental tissue (2489 ± 125 μM/kg wet tissue, 2119 ± 193 μM/kg wet tissue, and 3910 ± 369 μM/kg wet tissue), an indication that these polyols could be made within the placenta.

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