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Applying a test system for discriminating fetal from maternal cells
Pinar Bayrak-Toydemir1, Eugene Pergament, Morris Fiddler
1Reprogenetics Research, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA. pinbarayrak@yahoo.com
Prenatal Diagnosis
|August 13, 2003
Summary
This study evaluated fetal cell markers for distinguishing fetal from maternal cells. The combination of anti-CD71 and anti-epsilon antibodies showed promise for improved fetal cell identification.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Distinguishing fetal from maternal cells is crucial for non-invasive prenatal testing.
- Existing methods for fetal cell identification require refinement for improved accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance and apply a system for testing gender-independent fetal cell markers.
- To evaluate the capacity of individual and combined markers to discriminate between fetal and maternal cells.
Main Methods:
- Chorionic villi samples from 25 male pregnancies were used.
- Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were employed.
- Antibodies tested included anti-Flk-1, anti-epsilon globin, and anti-CD71.
Main Results:
- Anti-epsilon globin showed a 90.5% predictive value, while anti-CD71 had 76.2%.
- The combination of anti-epsilon and anti-CD71 achieved 87.2% predictive value.
- Combined markers increased sensitivity for identifying fetal cells to 86%.
Conclusions:
- Anti-Flk-1 did not perform as expected in this test system.
- CVS washings are a viable source for testing antigenic markers.
- Combining anti-CD71 and anti-epsilon enhances fetal cell identification without compromising predictive value.