ENZYMES IN AMNIOTIC FLUID: A STUDY OF SPECIFIC ACTIVITY PATTERNS DURING PREGNANCY

  1. R. G. Sutcliffe1,
  2. D. J. H. Brock1,
  3. J. G. Robertson2,
  4. J. B. Scrimgeour2,
  5. J. M. Monaghan3

Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005

DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1972.tb12185.x

Issue

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Volume 79, Issue 10, pages 895–901, October 1972

Additional Information

How to Cite

Sutcliffe, R. G., Brock, D. J. H., Robertson, J. G., Scrimgeour, J. B. and Monaghan, J. M. (1972), ENZYMES IN AMNIOTIC FLUID: A STUDY OF SPECIFIC ACTIVITY PATTERNS DURING PREGNANCY. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 79: 895–901. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1972.tb12185.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Obstetrics, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh

  2. 2

    The University Department of Human Genetics, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh

  3. 3

    Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, The Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
  2. Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005

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Summary

The specific activity patterns of a group of enzymes were studied in the supernatants of amniotic fluid obtained between 10 weeks of gestation and term. A number of different patterns were found. α-l,4-Glucosidase showed a peak in specific activity between 13 and 18 weeks of gestation. Heat-labile alkaline phosphatase had an early peak of specific activity which was similar to that of α-l,4-glucosidase and, in addition, a specific activity peak after 37 weeks. Acid phosphatase showed a peak of specific activity after 32 weeks. Hexosaminidase remained unchanged during most of pregnancy, although the lowest levels were found before 14 weeks. Finally, placental alkaline phosphatase showed a gradual increase in specific activity between 10 and 30 weeks, after which time a more rapid increase occurred. Expression of the results on a protein basis led to an exaggeration of the specific activity peaks in early and late gestation. The significance of the results is discussed in the context of their possible use for the estimation of fetal maturity.

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