Ontogeny of alpha-foetoprotein in human foetal brain.
Alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) was found to be present in human foetal brain during early embryonic life. Antigenically and electrophoretically foetal brain AFP is similar to that found in human foetal serum. Like serum AFP it did not bind oestradiol. Developmental profile of the proteins in foetal brain was distinct from that observed in foetal serum, amniotic fluid and maternal serum compartments. Peak levels of brain AFP were obtained in foetuses in the 20th week of gestation. These levels decreased rapidly and no AFP could be detected in foetal brains derived from the third trimester of pregnancy. The origin of AFP and its possible role in foetal brain development is discussed.
D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000378:metabolism*
D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D004958:Estradiol