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Pancreatic phospholipase A2 (PPLA2) during human pregnancy
M O Pulkkinen1, J Eskola, E Niemelä
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku, Finland.
Annales Chirurgiae Et Gynaecologiae. Supplementum
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Pancreatic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) levels in amniotic fluid increase during pregnancy. Elevated PLA2 in meconium-stained fluid suggests fetal pancreas involvement in uterine activity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Reproductive Biology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Pancreatic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is an enzyme involved in various physiological processes.
- Understanding PLA2 levels during pregnancy is crucial for monitoring fetal well-being and pregnancy progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels and activity of pancreatic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in human serum and amniotic fluid throughout pregnancy.
- To explore the relationship between PLA2 levels, amniotic fluid characteristics, and potential contributions to uterine activity.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of immunoreactive pancreatic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in maternal serum and amniotic fluid at different gestational weeks.
- Assay of PLA2 activity in amniotic fluid samples.
- Comparison of PLA2 levels and activity in normal vs. meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
Main Results:
- Pancreatic PLA2 levels in maternal serum remain within the normal range during pregnancy.
- Immunoreactive pancreatic PLA2 in amniotic fluid progressively increases from 16 weeks to term.
- Meconium-stained amniotic fluid shows significantly elevated pancreatic PLA2 levels, but not kinetic PLA2 activity.
Conclusions:
- The fetal pancreas, with its high PLA2 content, may play a role in the observed increase in uterine activity during human pregnancy.
- Elevated pancreatic PLA2 in meconium-stained amniotic fluid warrants further investigation into its clinical significance.