[Measurement of Gla proteins by dot method and clinical study (protein S, protein C, and prothrombin)]

In this study, as a new assay method for Gla protein antigens, the "dot immunobinding assay" which is used on screening for a large number of antibodies (Dot method) was applied. Plasma protein S(PS), protein C(PC) and prothrombin were measured in normal and toxemic pregnant women by the "dot method". The results obtained are as follows. 1. The PS concentration in the third trimester was significantly decreased, with a count of 90.0 +/- 18.6%. 2. PC in the first trimester was significantly decreased, with a count of 81.2 +/- 15.0%. 3. In the other periods, PS and PC were slightly decreased but not significantly. There was no remarkable change in PS or PC in normal third trimester pregnancy or in toxemia of pregnancy. 4. Prothrombin was increased during pregnancy, but not significantly. 5. There was a good correlation between PS and PC concentrations (r = 0.52, p less than 0.01).