Increased plasma levels of ss(2)-microglobulin, cystatin C and ss-trace protein in term pregnancy are not due to utero-placental production.

• Objective . To study concentration gradients of the low molecular mass proteins, ss(2)-microglobulin, cystatin C and ss-trace protein, between the uterine and ante-cubital veins, the umbilical artery and vein and in the amniotic fluid compartment. Material and methods. The study comprised 27 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies undergoing caesarean section at term. Samples were collected simultaneously and paired t-tests were used to compare mean plasma concentrations. Results . There was no significant concentration gradient in the plasma levels of ss(2)-microglobulin, cystatin C or ss-trace protein between the uterine and antecubital veins. There were no correlations between the protein levels in the compartments. Conclusion . The utero-placental unit does not contribute significantly to the maternal levels of ss(2)-microglobulin, cystatin C and ss-trace protein in normal pregnancy, and the proteins are not likely to be transferred across the placental barrier.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Farmakologi och toxikologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Pharmacology and Toxicology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Reproduktionsmedicin och gynekologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Läkemedelskemi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Medicinal Chemistry (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

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