Arylsulphatase A activity and sulphatide concentration in placenta, membranes and cord after delivery.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated variations in behavior of arylsulphatase A activity (an enzyme that catabolizes sulphatides) and of sulphatide concentration in the placenta, cord and membranes of healthy gravidas at term pregnancy, following spontaneous birth.


METHODS
We extracted and biochemically determined arylsulphatase A and sulphatide concentration in placenta, cord and membranes (far from and close to internal uterine os) in 14 patients.


RESULTS
Activity of arylsulphatase A decreased in the cord, in membranes far from the internal uterine os, in membranes close to the internal uterine os and in the placenta. Sulphatide concentration was minimal in the cord and maximal in placenta, with intermediate values in the membranes. No correlation was found between arylsulphatase A activity and sulphatide concentration, nor among arylsulphatase A activities, nor among sulphatide concentrations among the different tissues. It seems that multiparity may increase and the duration of active labor may decrease arylsulphatase A activity in membranes far from the internal uterine os, while active labor duration does not appear to have any implication on sulphatide concentration in membranes close to the internal uterine os.


CONCLUSIONS
Arylsulphatase A activities and sulphatide concentrations in fetal adnexa show significant differences.
Indraccolo
Ugo
U
Department of Surgical Sciences, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy. ugo.indraccolo@libero.it
Traini
Enea
E
Baldoni
Emilia
E
Indraccolo
Salvatore Renato
SR
Vitaioli
Lucia
L
D002553:Cerebroside-Sulfatase / Q000378:metabolism*; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D036801:Parturition / Q000378:metabolism; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013433:Sulfoglycosphingolipids / Q000378:metabolism*; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000378:metabolism*
D013433:Sulfoglycosphingolipids; D002553:Cerebroside-Sulfatase