Immunoreactive Human Epidermal Growth Factor Concentrations in Amniotic Fluid, Umbilical Artery and Vein Serum, and Placenta in Full-Term and Preterm Infants

Abstract
Immunoreactive human epidermal growth factor (IR-hEGF) was measured in samples taken from 27 full-term and 14 preterm infants. The samples included amniotic fluid, amniotic membranes, fetal and maternal sides of the placenta, and matched umbilical artery and umbilical vein serum. Our results demonstrated the presence of IR-hEGF in the human placenta, amniotic fluid and cord blood during the second half of gestation. The increase in placental tissue, amniotic fluid, and cord blood concentrations with progressive gestation suggests a possible functional role for EGF during perinatal development.

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