Serum alpha-fetoprotein, albumin, and gamma-G-globulin in the human conceptus.

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The serum concentrations of [alpha]-feto-protein, albumin, and gamma G-globulin in the human conceptus were determined immunochemically over the gestational period from 6.6 to 39 wk. and in the newborn during the first 3 wk. of life. It was found that the serum concentration of [alpha]-fetoprotein increased from 6.6 wk. to reach a maximal concentration at approximately 13 wk.; the concentration then decreased rapidly to reach levels of less than 2% of the maximum by 34 wk. gestation. The newborn at term had detectable [alpha]-fetoprotein that disappeared from the serum with an average half-life of 5 days during the 1st wk. and with an average half-life of 3 days after the 1st wk. Data suggest a sharp curtailment of [alpha]-fetoprotein synthesis either at birth or during the few weeks before birth whether the infant is full-term or is born prematurely. Serum albumin concentrations in the conceptus reached a plateau by 22 to 24 wk. gestation and remained at these levels through the neonatal period; the average concentration of albumin in the neonatal period was slightly higher than that in the mothers studied. The serum concentra-tion of gamma G-globulin between 6.6 and 22 wk. gestation was less than 0.2/100 ml. After 22 wk. the concentration of gamma G increased to reach levels seen in term infants by 26 wk. gestation. The albumin: [alpha]-fetoprotein ratios in amniotic fluid were much higher than those in bladder urine between 11 and 13.2 wk. gestation, indicating the possible existence of an additional source of amniotic fluid albumin besides the urine. The clearance of albumin into the urine was greater than that of [alpha]-fetoprotein; the molecular size of [alpha]-fetoprotein was similar to that of albumin by means of gel filtration and ultracentri-fugation.

This publication has 22 references indexed in Scilit: