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Circulating forms of human foetal somatomedin
Acta Endocrinologica
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Researchers purified two forms of somatomedin from fetal serum. These forms correspond to truncated insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and intact IGF-2, identified using a radioreceptor assay.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Somatomedins, now known as insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), are crucial for fetal development.
- Previous studies suggested the presence of multiple IGF forms in fetal circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To partially purify and characterize somatomedin forms from human fetal serum.
- To identify the specific IGF variants present in fetal circulation during mid-gestation.
Main Methods:
- Serum from human fetuses (16-28 weeks gestation) was used.
- Purification involved acid precipitation, Sephadex G-50 chromatography, affinity chromatography, and FPLC.
- A radioreceptor assay with fetal brain membranes was employed for activity detection.
Main Results:
- Two distinct peaks of somatomedin activity were purified.
- These peaks exhibited apparent molecular weights of approximately 7000 Da and different isoelectric points.
- Elution profiles matched truncated insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and intact insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2).
Conclusions:
- The study successfully identified and partially purified two somatomedin forms from fetal serum.
- These forms represent truncated IGF-1 and intact IGF-2, providing insights into fetal growth factor regulation.