Related Experiment Videos
Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A: circulating levels during normal pregnancy
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|April 15, 1981
Summary
New electroimmunoassays detect pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) early in pregnancy. Rising PAPP-A levels indicate fetal well-being throughout gestation, aiding early pregnancy diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Pregnancy-specific protein detection is crucial for monitoring gestation.
- A high molecular weight alpha-2 glycoprotein, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), is a recently identified marker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop specific and sensitive electroimmunoassays for PAPP-A.
- To evaluate PAPP-A as a diagnostic marker for early pregnancy and fetal well-being.
Main Methods:
- Development of electroimmunoassays for PAPP-A detection.
- Measurement of circulating PAPP-A levels in pregnant subjects.
Main Results:
- Detection of circulating PAPP-A as early as the fifth week of gestation.
- Observed a consistent rise in PAPP-A levels from early pregnancy to term in 18 subjects.
- Established assay sensitivity allowing detection of PAPP-A at 10 microgram/L.
Conclusions:
- The developed electroimmunoassays are specific and sensitive for PAPP-A.
- PAPP-A measurement can serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for early pregnancy detection.
- PAPP-A levels throughout gestation can be used as an index of fetal well-being.