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Relaxin concentrations in exoembryonic fluids during the first trimester
M R Johnson1, E Jauniaux, D Jurkovic
1Department of Academic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Relaxin, a hormone, was detected in maternal serum, coelomic fluid, and amniotic fluid during early pregnancy. Its presence in coelomic fluid suggests potential roles in embryonic development during organogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Relaxin is a hormone with known reproductive functions.
- Its role during early human embryonic development, particularly during organogenesis, is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure relaxin concentrations in maternal serum, coelomic fluid, and amniotic fluid during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- To investigate the potential presence and implications of relaxin in fetal circulation.
Main Methods:
- Maternal serum, coelomic fluid, and amniotic fluid samples were collected from 15 women undergoing therapeutic termination of pregnancy (8-13 weeks gestation).
- Median concentrations of relaxin were determined in each fluid compartment.
Main Results:
- Median relaxin concentrations were 1000 ng/l in maternal serum, 122 ng/l in coelomic fluid, and 9 ng/l in amniotic fluid.
- Relaxin was quantifiable in all three fluid compartments, with the highest concentration in maternal serum.
Conclusions:
- Relaxin is present in maternal serum, coelomic fluid, and amniotic fluid during early pregnancy.
- The detection of relaxin in coelomic fluid suggests its potential presence in fetal circulation.
- This finding implies that relaxin may influence embryonic development during the critical period of organogenesis.