title: Maternal and fetal serum prolactin levels in cases of premature rupture of membranes.
abstract: Serum prolactin levels were measured in maternal and fetal sera immediately post delivery in 20 cases of premature rupture of the membranes and in 20 controls. Fetal serum prolactin levels were 781 +/- 265 ng/ml in cases of PRM and 737 +/- 314 ng/ml in controls. Maternal serum prolactin levels were 504 +/- 264 ng/ml in cases of PRM and 731 +/- 361 ng/ml in controls. This difference is statistically significant (t = 1.81, p less than 0.05). A probable role of prolactin in maintaining fetal membrane integrity and the probable effect of the difference in maternal serum prolactin concentration in the two groups on the membranes' viscoelastic properties is discussed.
mesh_terms: D004548:Elasticity; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000032:analysis*; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D011388:Prolactin