Quantitative Immunological study of pregnancy-associated alpha2-globulin antigen.
Pregnancy-associated alpha2-globulin antigen, a protein whigh is practically absent from the serum of nonpregnant individuals or could be found in the quantity of only a few milligram percent, gradually accumulates during pregnancy. A peak value of 96 +/- 44 mg% is reached by the 31st week of gestation. In the last 2 months of pregnancy a decrease was observed to 65 +/- 30 mg% before delivery. Significantly lower levels of this protein could be found in prolonged pregnancy and in case of abortions associated with placenta destruction. Elevated amounts of this characteristical pregnancy protein could be found in 63% of 100 tumor patients.
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000276:immunology; D000941:Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011273:Pregnancy, Prolonged; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins / Q000032:analysis*
D000941:Antigens; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins