[Detection of fetal cells in maternal blood with magnetically activated cell sorging (MACS) and EGF receptor antibody MAb 425].
BACKGROUND
In this study separation and enrichment of fetal trophoblastcells have been investigated in venous blood of pregnant women, in order to see, if this non-risk method can replace invasive methods of gaining fetal cells for antenatal diagnosis.


METHODS
First investigation of antigen-patterns of fetal cells, placenta-tissue and leucocytes as well as of different MAb 425-concentrations in chorioncells, A-431-cells and leucocytes was done, thereafter staining of A 431-cells, staining and evidence of A 431-leucocytes mixtures (group 1: n = 11), staining of chorioncells, staining and evidence of chorioncell-leucocytes mixtures (group 2: n = 13), staining and evidence of leucocyctes of nonpregnant (group 3: n = 18) and pregnant women (group 4: n = 6). A FACScan was used. Antigen patterns of fetal cells, placenta tissue and leucocytes were tested by means of specific antibodies.


RESULTS
Almost all chorioncell-cultures have been EGF-receptor positive, whereas leucocytes were negative. For separation of trophoblastcells the EGF-receptor was the most suitable. 18 leucocyte samples of non-pregnant and 6 of pregnant women were tested. There were no significant differences either concerning staining with MAb 425 or in evidence in the MiniMACS. In pregnant women there was no sufficient number of EGF-receptor-positive cells available, in order to recognize, if these cells were of fetal origin.


CONCLUSIONS
Before trophoblastcells could be used for antenatal diagnosis potential influences concerning presence time and separation of these cells should be investigated.


CONCLUSIONS
We did not have enough fetal cells for further cytogenetic investigations. One reason for not enough evidence of fetal cells could be a lack of capacity of the MiniMACS. There were probably none or not enough trophoblastcells in the maternal blood. Which parameters could be of influence, is not yet known.
Kühnert
M
M
Klinik für Geburtshilfe und Perinatalmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Marburg.
Schmidt
S
S
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001769:Blood; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000502:physiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000166:cytology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D066246:ErbB Receptors