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Presence of CRH-binding protein in amniotic fluid and in umbilical cord plasma
T Suda1, M Iwashita, T Sumitomo
1Department of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical College, Japan.
Insights
Corticotropin-releasing hormone-binding protein (CRH-BP) is detectable in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord plasma during pregnancy. Fetal CRH-BP production begins by the second trimester.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays a crucial role in the stress response and pregnancy.',
- CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP) modulates CRH bioavailability.
- The presence and role of fetal CRH-BP during pregnancy are not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP) in human amniotic fluid and umbilical cord plasma.
- To determine the developmental timeline of fetal CRH-BP production.
- To compare CRH-BP levels and binding capacity in fetal circulation with adult levels.
Main Methods:
- Detection and characterization of CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP) in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord plasma samples.
- Assessment of CRH-BP size and binding capacity using samples from different gestational ages.
- Comparison of fetal CRH-BP levels with those in peripheral blood of neonates and adults.
Main Results:
- CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP) was detected in amniotic fluid from 15 weeks and umbilical cord plasma from 24 weeks of gestation.
- The molecular size of fetal CRH-BP was comparable to that found in adult peripheral blood.
- CRH-BP binding levels in third-trimester umbilical cord plasma were similar to neonates and adults, with a temporary decrease at 40 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Fetal CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP) production commences at least by the second trimester of pregnancy.
- Fetal CRH-BP circulates in a form similar to adult CRH-BP.
- CRH-BP levels in fetal circulation are comparable to postnatal levels, suggesting a regulated physiological role.
Abstract:
CRH-binding protein was present in the amniotic fluid and in the umbilical cord plasma after 15 weeks and 24 weeks of pregnancy, respectively. The size of the CRH-binding protein was similar to that in the peripheral blood from normal subjects. The level of the binding of CRH-binding protein in the umbilical cord plasma during the third trimester of pregnancy was also similar to that in the peripheral blood of neonates and normal adult subjects. The binding of CRH-binding protein was temporarily decreased at 40 weeks of pregnancy. These results indicate that fetal CRH-binding protein seems to be produced at least in the second trimester of pregnancy.