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Phosphate content of human amniotic fluid and its relationship to bacterial growth inhibition
Abstract:
A sensitive method for assay of phosphate has been adapted for use with human amniotic fluid. The presence of an antibacterial factor in amniotic fluid inactivated by phosphate suggested that measurement of free phosphate may predict antibacterial activity and hence susceptibility to intrapartum infection. The intrinsic antibacterial activity of amniotic fluid was altered by addition of large amounts of phosphate, but the intrinsic concentration of free phosphate correlated poorly with antibacterial activity and organically combined phosphates did not appear to be related to the antibacterial property.
Insights
Phosphate levels in amniotic fluid do not reliably predict antibacterial activity. This study found poor correlation between free phosphate concentration and the fluid's ability to fight infection.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Biochemistry
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Human amniotic fluid possesses antibacterial properties.
- Phosphate has been observed to inactivate an antibacterial factor within amniotic fluid.
- Investigating phosphate levels may offer insights into infection susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt a sensitive phosphate assay for human amniotic fluid.
- To determine if free phosphate concentration correlates with amniotic fluid's antibacterial activity.
- To assess the role of organically combined phosphates in antibacterial properties.
Main Methods:
- Adaptation of a sensitive phosphate assay method.
- Measurement of free and organically combined phosphate concentrations in amniotic fluid.
- Assessment of the relationship between phosphate levels and intrinsic antibacterial activity.
Main Results:
- The adapted phosphate assay was successfully applied to human amniotic fluid.
- A poor correlation was observed between intrinsic free phosphate concentration and antibacterial activity.
- Organically combined phosphates did not demonstrate a relationship with the antibacterial property.
Conclusions:
- Measurement of free phosphate in amniotic fluid is not a reliable predictor of antibacterial activity.
- The presence and concentration of phosphate do not appear to directly influence the susceptibility to intrapartum infection via antibacterial mechanisms.