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Fetal intestinal microvilli in human amniotic fluid
Abstract:
The intestinal microvilli of fetal origin in human amniotic fluid were purified by Ca2+ precipitation of contaminating organelles followed by differential centrifugation of microvillar membranes. In the purified preparation, the specific activity of the microvillar marker-enzymes maltase and sucrase increased about 77-fold over that in cell-free amniotic fluid. Significant contamination of the purified preparation by endoplasmic reticulum (microsomes) and lysosomes was ruled out on the basis of a low content of the marker enzymes glucose-6-phosphatase (microsomes) and acid phosphatase (lysosomes). Amniotic fluid microvilli contain typical enzymes of the fetal intestine including maltase, sucrase, trehalase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase, and their morphology by electron microscopy resembles that of vesiculated intestinal microvilli. Prenatal detection of genetic diseases due to a deficiency of a protein expressed in these membranes or associated to abnormal microvilli seems feasible.
Insights
Human amniotic fluid contains fetal intestinal microvilli, which can be purified for analysis. These microvilli possess enzymes characteristic of the fetal intestine, suggesting potential for prenatal disease detection.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human amniotic fluid contains fetal-derived components.
- Intestinal microvilli are crucial for nutrient absorption and can be shed into surrounding fluids.
- Prenatal diagnosis of genetic disorders is essential for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To purify and characterize intestinal microvilli from human amniotic fluid.
- To assess the potential of these microvilli for prenatal diagnosis of genetic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Purification of microvilli using calcium (Ca2+) precipitation and differential centrifugation.
- Enzyme activity assays for microvillar marker enzymes (maltase, sucrase) and contamination markers (glucose-6-phosphatase, acid phosphatase).
- Morphological analysis using electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Purified microvilli showed a 77-fold increase in specific activity for maltase and sucrase.
- Contamination by endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes was minimal.
- Microvilli exhibited typical fetal intestinal enzymes and morphology.
Conclusions:
- Amniotic fluid microvilli are a viable source for biochemical and morphological analysis.
- The presence of characteristic fetal intestinal enzymes suggests potential for prenatal detection of genetic diseases affecting these structures.