Partial characterization of a novel growth factor from the blood of women with preeclampsia.
Sera obtained before delivery from women with preeclampsia contain greater mitogenic activity than sera drawn from the same women 24-48 h after parturition or sera from normal parturients. These studies describe the initial characterization of the blood-borne mitogenic factor(s) from preeclamptic women which we have named ELMER (Endogenous Ligand conferring MitogEnic Response). ELMER appears to be a unique mitogen with characteristics that are not identical to those of other known growth factors. ELMER is present in serum as an acid- and heat-labile protein, approximately 160,000 daltons in size, which is a potent mitogen for human fibroblasts but not for human endothelial cells. Its presence in plasma suggests that it is a circulating factor rather than a product of blood coagulation ex vivo. We believe that ELMER represents a potential serum marker of preeclampsia and that it may play roles in the vasospasm and proliferative vascular lesion, termed atherosis, frequently associated with the preeclamptic syndrome.
Taylor
R N
RN
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0132.
Musci
T J
TJ
Kuhn
R W
RW
Roberts
J M
JM
D000143:Acids; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004727:Endothelium / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008934:Mitogens; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000032:analysis; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013936:Thymidine / Q000378:metabolism
D000143:Acids; D015415:Biomarkers; D006133:Growth Substances; D008934:Mitogens; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases; D013936:Thymidine