title: gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase in human amniotic fluid and in fetal tissues.
abstract: The activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) was measured in 360 amniotic fluid samples from second and third trimester pregnancies with fetal and maternal disorders. The enzyme level was within the normal range in all but one of the 18 second trimester pregnancies with congenital malformations. On cellulose acetate electrophoresis, GGT fractionated as an alpha 1-band in all mid-trimester samples tested. Highly elevated GGT values were found in five samples from the third trimester gestations with fetal gastroschisis, hydrops fetalis and Meckel's syndrome. The enzyme in these samples showed alpha 1-mobility while most of the third trimester amniotic fluids contained GGT with beta-mobility. Considerable GGT activity was observed in several fetal tissues that are in contact with the amniotic fluid. Highest levels were found in meconium and bile from a second trimester fetus. The total activity and electrophoretic mobility of GGT in late amniotic fluid and in urine from newborns was similar.
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000201:enzymology*; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000201:enzymology; D004588:Electrophoresis, Cellulose Acetate / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000201:enzymology; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase