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LH concentrations in human maternal and cord serum
Endocrinologia Japonica
|February 1, 1977
Summary
This study measured maternal and cord blood hormone levels after normal birth. Maternal serum showed significantly higher concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) compared to cord serum.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Hormone Assays
Background:
- Gonadotropin levels fluctuate during pregnancy and postpartum.
- Understanding maternal-fetal hormone transfer is crucial for reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare concentrations of hCG, LH, and FSH in maternal and umbilical cord blood.
- To investigate potential differences in hormone levels related to fetal sex.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to measure hormone concentrations.
- Blood samples were collected from 32 mothers and their newborns immediately after normal delivery.
- Specific LH RIA validated for accuracy in the presence of hCG.
Main Results:
- Maternal serum hCG (10,370 mIU/ml) and cord serum hCG (34.5 mIU/ml) showed a high maternal-to-cord ratio (302:1).
- Maternal serum LH (0.729 ng/ml) and FSH (4.2:1 ratio) were also higher than in cord serum (LH 0.438 ng/ml).
- No significant difference in LH or FSH levels was observed based on fetal sex.
Conclusions:
- Significant transfer of maternal gonadotropins to the fetus occurs.
- Hormone concentrations differ markedly between maternal and umbilical cord blood.
- Fetal sex does not appear to influence maternal or cord blood LH and FSH levels in this cohort.