Related Experiment Videos
Study on maternal, fetal, and amniotic human prolactin at term
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|December 1, 1975
Summary
Maternal and fetal prolactin levels vary, but amniotic fluid shows significantly higher prolactin concentrations. This suggests independent prolactin secretion and amniotic fluid prolactin originates from the fetus.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Perinatal Biology
- Hormone Research
Background:
- Prolactin plays a crucial role in pregnancy and fetal development.
- Understanding prolactin dynamics between mother, fetus, and amniotic fluid is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concentrations and molecular forms of prolactin in maternal blood, fetal blood, and amniotic fluid at term.
- To determine the origin and heterogeneity of prolactin in these compartments.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous collection of maternal blood, fetal blood (cord venous and arterial), and amniotic fluid at term.
- Quantification of immunoreactive prolactin using gel filtration to analyze molecular size heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- Amniotic fluid consistently exhibited higher prolactin levels than maternal or fetal serum.
- Three molecular forms of prolactin (big, medium, small) were identified, with small prolactin being predominant (≥69% in blood, ≥90% in amniotic fluid).
- Prolactin in cord venous and arterial sera was quantitatively and heterogeneously similar, while amniotic fluid showed distinct size heterogeneity compared to maternal serum.
Conclusions:
- Maternal and fetal prolactin secretion appear independent during gestation.
- Amniotic fluid prolactin exhibits greater size heterogeneity differences from maternal prolactin than from fetal prolactin.
- Evidence suggests that prolactin found in amniotic fluid is primarily of fetal origin.