title: Detection of complex gangliosides in human amniotic fluid.
abstract: Gangliosides are possibly very potent immunosuppressive molecules. Here we show that human amniotic fluid contains high concentrations of a number of previously unnoted, structurally complex and highly polar gangliosides. These unusual molecules are present early in pregnancy (first trimester), increase in concentration with gestational age, and reach maximum levels (0.8 microM) at term. Since similar gangliosides have been detected in human placenta, trophoblast, and amnion, we suggest that these molecules are shed into the amniotic fluid bathing these tissues.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, UCLA School of Medicine 90024.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rueda
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tabsh
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ladisch
mesh_terms: D000650:Amnion / Q000737:chemistry; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D005260:Female; D005732:Gangliosides / Q000032:analysis*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D010920:Placenta / Q000737:chemistry; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D005732:Gangliosides