Immunoreactive β-endorphin/lipotrophin in the chronically cannulated ovine foetus: response to bilateral foetal adrenalectomy

1982 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 612-618 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. P. Hennessy ◽  
K. J. Hardy ◽  
M. E. Quigley ◽  
E. Marelyn Wintour ◽  
S. S. C. Yen
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Feedback Systems ◽  
Foetal Death ◽  
Glucocorticoid Treatment ◽  
Feedback Control Systems

Abstract. Adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) is derived from a 'stem' hormone of approximately 31 000 daltons. In man, cleavage of this hormone can produce equimolar amounts of ACTH and β-lipotrophin (β-LPH) in the plasma. Further cleavage of β-LPH in either the pituitary or plasma can release β-endorphin (β-EP). The plasma concentrations of both ACTH and β-EP can be increased by stressful stimuli, adrenalectomy, pituitary-adrenal disorders, or decreased with glucocorticoid treatment. This study investigated the presence of β-EP/LPH in the intact and adrenalectomized (adrX) ovine foetus. Three ovine foetuses were bilaterally adrX at the time of implantation of cannulae into the carotid artery and jugular vein (106–120 days gestation). The foetuses of 9 ewes were chronically cannulated (95–115 days gestation) to serve as controls. Gestation length was 147 ± 5 days. Plasma β-EP/LPH was measured using a heterologous modification of a human β-EP RIA. The assay system had molar cross-reactivity of about 20% with ovine β-LPH, thus results are expressed as β-EP/LPH-like immunoreactivity (IR-β-EP/LPH). In the intact unstressed foetus the plasma IR-β-EP/LPH concentration was relatively constant throughout gestation 228.9 ± 12.0 pg/ml (mean ± sem, n = 35) except for the last 48 h prior to either parturition, abortion or in utero foetal death when concentrations were seen to rise to 357 ± 56.8 pg/ml (n = 10) in 5 out of 6 sheep. During gestation the IR-β-EP/LPH in amniotic fluid was less than in foetal plasma the mean being 130.5 ± 14.8 (n = 10). IR-β-EP/LPH in maternal plasma was similar to that in foetal plasma. In the adrX foetus data has been arbitrarily divided into 3 age groups 90–121, 122–135 and > 136 days gestation, the IR-β-EP/LPH concentrations being 202.7 ± 16.3 (n = 9), 404.6 ± 54.8 (n = 13) and 2566 ± 681 (n = 5) pg/ml, respectively. The elevated IR-β-EP/LPH seen after 122 days does not appear to be reflected in either foetal urine or amniotic fluid. It can be suggested that the pituitary feedback systems controlling both IR-ACTH and IR-β-EP/LPH start to mature or change after 122 days gestation. In summary these findings show the presence of an immunoassayable substance with β-EP/LPH-like reactivity in the plasma of the ovine foetus, and that this IR-β-EP/LPH can often increase prior to parturition, abortion of foetal death. After 122 days gestation IR-β-EP/LPH increases in adrX foetuses, suggesting that after this time feedback control systems with some product of the foetal adrenal first begin to appear.

Determination of insulin-like growth factor-2 in feto-maternal circulation during human pregnancy

1992 ◽  
Vol 127 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiro Kubota ◽  
Shusaku Kamada ◽  
Makoto Taguchi ◽  
Takeshi Aso
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Main Peak ◽  
Gel Chromatography ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Maternal Circulation ◽  
Human Pregnancy ◽  
Fetal Plasma

In order to clarify the roles of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) on the human maternal-fetal environment, IGF-2 and IGF-1 levels were investigated in human plasma and amniotic fluid during pregnancy. Initially, new radio-immunoassay (RIA) systems for human IGF-2 could be developed. The sensitivity of this assay was 17.5 pg/tube and the cross-reactivity with IGF-1 was 0.64%. The pattern of change of maternal plasma IGF-2 in early pregnancy differed from that of IGF-1, but both IGF levels increased progressively in the second half of gestation, and decreased to non-pregnancy levels in the puerperium. Maternal levels of IGF-2 were approximately seven times greater than those of IGF-1. The ratio of IGF-2 to IGF-1 was 3.2 in amniotic fluid. The IGF concentrations in amniotic fluid obtained in the second trimester were significantly greater than those of term specimens, and closely related to those of prolactin (PRL) in amniotic fluid. The highest IGF-2 to IGF-1 ratio (1 5.9) was found in umbilical vein plasma. On Sephadex G-150 gel-chromatography of maternal and fetal plasma at term, two apparent peaks of unsaturated IGF-2 binding protein (BP) could be detected in both 150 and 40 kilo dalton (kD) regions. One main peak of unsaturated IGF-2 BP could be determined in the 40 kD region in the amniotic fluid at term. High concentration of IGF-2 could be detected in feto-maternal circulation during human pregnancy. Moreover, it is strongly suggested that the releasing systems of IGFs in amniotic fluid are different from those in maternal or umbilical circulation.

scholarly journals Clinical chorioamnionitis at term IV: the maternal plasma cytokine profile

2015 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Romero ◽  
Piya Chaemsaithong ◽  
Nikolina Docheva ◽  
Steven J. Korzeniewski ◽  
Adi L. Tarca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Ionization Mass ◽  
Amniotic Cavity ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Plasma Cytokine ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ

AbstractFever is a major criterion for clinical chorioamnionitis; yet, many patients with intrapartum fever do not have demonstrable intra-amniotic infection. Some cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), can induce a fever. The objective of this study was to determine whether maternal plasma concentrations of cytokines could be of value in the identification of patients with the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis at term who have microbial-associated intra-amniotic inflammation.A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, including patients with clinical chorioamnionitis at term (n=41; cases) and women in spontaneous labor at term without clinical chorioamnionitis (n=77; controls). Women with clinical chorioamnionitis were classified into three groups according to the results of amniotic fluid culture, broad-range polymerase chain reaction coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS), and amniotic fluid IL-6 concentration: 1) no intra-amniotic inflammation; 2) intra-amniotic inflammation without detectable microorganisms; or 3) microbial-associated intra-amniotic inflammation. The maternal plasma concentrations of 29 cytokines were determined with sensitive and specific V-PLEX immunoassays. Nonparametric statistical methods were used for analysis, adjusting for a false discovery rate of 5%.1) The maternal plasma concentrations of pyrogenic cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) were significantly higher in patients with clinical chorioamnionitis at term than in those with spontaneous term labor without clinical chorioamnionitis; 2) the maternal plasma concentrations of cytokines were not significantly different among the three subgroups of patients with clinical chorioamnionitis (intra-amniotic inflammation with and without detectable bacteria and those without intra-amniotic inflammation); and 3) among women with the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis, but without evidence of intra-amniotic inflammation, the maternal plasma concentrations of pyrogenic cytokines were significantly higher than in patients with spontaneous labor at term. These observations suggest that a fever can be mediated by increased circulating concentrations of these cytokines, despite the absence of a local intra-amniotic inflammatory response.1) The maternal plasma concentrations of pyrogenic cytokines (e.g. IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) are higher in patients with intra-partum fever and the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis at term than in those in spontaneous labor at term without a fever; and 2) maternal plasma cytokine concentrations have limited value in the identification of patients with bacteria in the amniotic cavity. Accurate assessment of the presence of intra-amniotic infection requires amniotic fluid analysis.

PROSTAGLANDINS IN THE PLASMA AND AMNIOTIC FLUID OF RHESUS MONKEYS DURING PREGNANCY AND AFTER INTRA-UTERINE FOETAL DEATH

1976 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. MITCHELL ◽  
J. E. PATRICK ◽  
J. S. ROBINSON ◽  
G. D. THORBURN ◽  
J. R. G. CHALLIS
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Rhesus Monkeys ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Normal Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Foetal Death ◽  
Peripheral Vein ◽  
Normal Term ◽  
Prostaglandin F ◽  
Venous Plasma

SUMMARY Prostaglandin F (PGF) was measured in amniotic fluid, and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2α (PGFM) was measured in maternal peripheral venous plasma and amniotic fluid of rhesus monkeys during late pregnancy. 13,14-Dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α was determined in the maternal peripheral venous plasma of two animals following intrauterine foetal death. The mean concentration of PGF and PGFM in amniotic fluid increased fourfold during the last 5 days of pregnancy. This increase was associated with an increase in the oestrone concentration in amniotic fluid and in maternal plasma. In normal pregnancy there was no increase in PGFM levels in the maternal peripheral vein, up to 1–2 days pre partum. After intra-uterine death, progesterone concentration in the maternal peripheral vein was unaltered, but oestrone and oestradiol declined. In plasma samples taken within 12 h of delivery, the concentration of PGFM was raised. It is concluded that an increase in prostaglandin production accompanies delivery at normal term, and at delivery past term following intra-uterine foetal death.

Plasma concentrations of progesterone, oestradiol-17β and 13,14-dihydro-15-oxo-prostaglandin F2α in the pregnant wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus)

1983 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. Walker ◽  
R. T. Gemmell
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Birth Process ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Prostaglandin F ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Uterine Secretions ◽  
Mean Concentration

The concentrations of progesterone and oestradiol-17β in the maternal plasma of Bennett's wallaby, Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus, were measured daily throughout gestation after reactivation of the diapausing corpus luteum by removal of the suckling pouch young (RPY). Progesterone increased from mean concentrations of 382–424 pmol/l (120–133 pg/ml) during lactation to reach peak concentrations of 908 ± 172 (s.e.m.) pmol/l (285 ± 54 pg/ml) (n = 8) 4 days after RPY and 971 ± 220 and 971 ± 229 pmol/l (305 ± 69 and 305 ± 72 pg/ml) (n = 7) 24 and 25 days after RPY respectively. The mean gestation length (RPY to birth) was 26·8 ± 0·6 (s.d.) days (n = 6, range 25·75–27·50 days). Immediately after birth the plasma progesterone concentration declined to 299 ± 51 (s.e.m.) pmol/l (94 ± 16 pg/ml) (n=6). Oestradiol-17β increased from mean concentrations of 291–553 pmol/l (80–152 pg/ml) during lactation to reach a peak concentration of 967 ± 331 pmol/l (266 ± 91 pg/ml) (n = 9) 1 day after RPY. The concentration declined from 7 days after RPY and fluctuated between mean concentrations of 273 and 480 pmol/l before reaching a minimum of 207 ± 69 pmol/l (57 ± 19 pg/ml) (n = 6) 19 days after RPY. A transient increase to 542 ± 207 pmol/l (n = 7) occurred at 22 days after RPY. Plasma concentrations declined to a low of 156 ± 55 pmol/l (43 ± 15 pg/ml) (n = 6) 5 days after parturition. The mean concentration of plasma 13,14-dihydro-15-oxo-prostaglandin F2α was less than 2·8 nmol/l (1 ng/ml) for all samples from 13 days after RPY until 4 days after parturition. The results suggest that oestradiol-17β may be important in the early stages of blastocyst reactivation to synergize with progesterone in stimulating uterine secretions. 13,14-Dihydro-15-oxo-prostaglandin F2α is unlikely to be involved in the birth process and any luteolytic effect is likely to be from a local production of PGF2α.

Endocrine and fluid-balance responses to amniotic and allantoic fluid loss in sheep

1990 ◽  
Vol 259 (4) ◽  
pp. R745-R752 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. A. Dickson ◽  
S. B. Hooper ◽  
I. C. McMillen ◽  
R. Harding
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Fluid Balance ◽  
Arginine Vasopressin ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Plasma Osmolality ◽  
Allantoic Fluid ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Urine Production

Our aim was to determine fetal and maternal endocrine and fluid-balance responses to prolonged loss of amniotic and allantoic fluids in sheep. In seven sheep, amniotic and allantoic fluids were drained [379.1 +/- 20.1 (SE) ml/day] from 107 to 135.3 +/- 0.6 days of gestation (term: 145 days). The results from these sheep were compared with those from seven control sheep. Maternal water intake, urine production, and urine osmolality were not altered by fluid drainage, nor were fetal and maternal arterial blood gases, pH, or plasma osmolalities. Fluid drainage increased amniotic, but not allantoic, fluid osmolality. Maternal plasma cortisol concentration increased with fluid drainage, but maternal plasma concentrations of prolactin and arginine vasopressin were unchanged. Fluid drainage increased prolactin concentrations in fetal plasma and amniotic fluid, but fetal plasma concentrations of cortisol (hydrocortisone), arginine vasopressin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine were unchanged. Our results show that the fetus is capable of maintaining its plasma osmolality despite prolonged loss of fluid from its amniotic and allantoic sacs and that this is associated with alterations in the production rate and the composition of amniotic fluid.

Increase in the concentration of immunoreactive endothelin in human pregnancy

1991 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Iwata ◽  
T. Takagi ◽  
K. Yamaji ◽  
O. Tanizawa
Keyword(s):  
Detection Limit ◽  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Vaginal Delivery ◽  
Umbilical Artery ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACT Maternal plasma concentrations of immunoreactive endothelin (ir-ET) during pregnancy, labour and after birth were measured by radioimmunoassay. Concentrations of ir-ET in the umbilical artery, umbilical vein, amniotic fluid and neonatal urine were also examined. The mean (± s.e.m.) plasma ir-ET concentration in early pregnancy (4–7 weeks) was 13·7±0·5 pmol/l, which was significantly higher than that in non-pregnant women (5·9±0·3 pmol/l). During pregnancy, plasma ir-ET concentrations gradually decreased to a minimum of 11·5±0·4 pmol/l in weeks 20–23, and then increased again towards term (12·5±0·4 pmol/l after 36 weeks of pregnancy). In women undergoing vaginal delivery, the mean plasma ir-ET concentration (17·1±0·7 pmol/l) increased significantly, compared with that in late pregnancy. After delivery, the plasma ir-ET concentration decreased abruptly to 4·0±0·2 pmol/l on the first day. Plasma ir-ET concentrations in umbilical vessels were significantly higher than those in maternal plasma. In addition, concentrations in the umbilical artery were significantly higher than those in the umbilical vein in cases of vaginal delivery. Concentrations of ir-ET in amniotic fluid were much higher than those in maternal or fetal plasma. ir-ET concentrations in neonatal urine on day 1 after birth were below the detection limit (< 0·1 pmol/l) by radioimmunoassay in 70% of the cases examined but on day 5 after birth ir-ET was present at measurable concentrations in all cases. It is suggested that endothelin may act as a circulating hormone during pregnancy and labour in both maternal and fetal circulations. Journal of Endocrinology (1991) 129, 301–307

PROFILE OF STEROIDS IN AMNIOTIC FLUID OF NORMAL AND COMPLICATED PREGNANCIES

1968 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adolf E. Schindler ◽  
V. Ratanasopa
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Foetal Death ◽  
Rh Isoimmunization

ABSTRACT Methods for the determination of five steroids in amniotic fluid are described. The following steroids have been measured in amniotic fluid of 29 normal pregnancies: dehydroepiandrosterone, 11.1 μg/l; pregnanediol, 164.4 μg/l; 16-ketoandrostenediol, 214.7 μg/l; 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone, 599.6 μg/ and oestriol, 674.3 μg/l. Analyses in eight pregnancies complicated by diabetes, polyhydramnios, anencephaly and severe Rh-isoimmunization reveal low or nondetectable amounts of oestriol, 16-ketoandrostenediol and 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone, The concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone and pregnanediol appear not to be significantly influenced under these circumstances unless intrauterine foetal death has already occurred. This study seems to offer an explanation for the differences of oestriol concentrations in amniotic fluid, maternal plasma and urine in pregnancies complicated by severe Rh-isoimmunization.

Placental transfer of indomethacin in the rabbit and sheep

1981 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 342-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. H. Harris ◽  
G. R. Van Petten
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentration ◽  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Intravenous Infusion ◽  
Plasma Proteins ◽  
Placental Transfer ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Maximal Plasma ◽  
Pregnant Ewe

The placental transfer of indomethacin was studied in the rabbit at 30 days of gestation and in the sheep between 120 and 135 days of gestation. Plasma concentrations of indomethacin reached a maximum of 13.7 ± 1.6 and 10.9 ± 1.5 μg/mL in the doe and fetuses, respectively, at 1 h following a maternal subcutaneous injection of 10.0 mg/kg. The maternal plasma concentration of drug decreased rapidly but the fetal plasma concentration of drug remained elevated and exceeded that of the doe before decreasing. Indomethacin became detectable in the amniotic fluid after 2 h, reached a maximum of 3.2 ± 0.8 μg/mL at 4 h, and then gradually decreased. The intravenous infusion of 10.0 mg of indomethacin per kilogram over 30 min into a pregnant ewe resulted in a maximal plasma concentration of 13.5 ± 0.7 μg/mL in the ewe and 0.6 ± 0.1 μg/mL in the fetus at the termination of the infusion. The concentration of indomethacin in the amniotic fluid increased to a maximum of 3.5 ± 0.5 μg/mL 150 min after the infusion stopped. There was an increase in the percentage of drug bound by the fetal plasma proteins as gestation advanced. Thus there exists the possibility that the fetus would be exposed to increasing amounts of indomethacin as term approached.

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