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Immunoreactive corticotropin-releasing hormone in amniotic fluid
A Sasaki1, O Shinkawa, K Yoshinaga
1Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayanagi Hospital, Miyagi, Japan.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is present in human amniotic fluid, with levels increasing during gestation. This hormone, potentially from the placenta, shows species-specific gene expression in placental tissue.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays a crucial role in the stress response and parturition.
- The presence and source of CRH in amniotic fluid are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure immunoreactive CRH in human and rat amniotic fluid.
- To investigate the correlation of amniotic fluid CRH with maternal plasma and placental levels.
- To explore the molecular forms and species-specific expression of CRH in placental tissue.
Main Methods:
- Specific radioimmunoassay for measuring immunoreactive CRH.
- Gel filtration chromatography for analyzing molecular forms.
- Comparison between human and rat samples.
Main Results:
- Immunoreactive CRH was detected in human amniotic fluid at all tested gestational stages, with increasing concentrations later in pregnancy.
- A significant correlation was observed between amniotic fluid CRH and maternal plasma/placental CRH levels.
- Two major peaks of immunoreactive CRH were identified in human amniotic fluid extracts.
- Immunoreactive CRH was undetectable in rat amniotic fluid and placenta.
Conclusions:
- Immunoreactive CRH is present in human amniotic fluid, likely originating from the placenta.
- CRH gene expression in the placenta appears to be species-specific, differing between humans and rats.