title: Alpha-fetoprotein in fetal serum, amniotic fluid, and maternal serum.
abstract: In order to gain more insight into the association between alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and fetal chromosomal disorders, especially Down's syndrome, we measured AFP in fetal serum, amniotic fluid, and maternal serum at cordocentesis. We compared the concentration and gradient of AFP in these three compartments. Our data confirm earlier findings on second-trimester fetal serum AFP concentration. The results indicate that low maternal serum AFP in pregnancies with fetal chromosomal disorders could result from an impaired fetal kidney function as well as from impaired membrane or placental passage of AFP, rather than from reduced fetal AFP production.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Van Lith
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Beekhuis
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Van Loon
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mantingh
authors.forename: B T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: De Wolf
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Breed
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000175:diagnosis*; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D002887:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood*; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D014314:Trisomy; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins