Abstract
ALPHA-FOETOPROTEIN (AFP), a glycoprotein of molecular weight 70–72,000, is synthesised by the yolk sac and by perivascular parenchymal cells of the mammalian foetal liver and gastrointestinal tract1–3. Increased levels of AFP occur in maternal and foetal sera during pregnancy4,5, and indirect evidence suggests some production of AFP by the chorionic tissues6. Increase of AFP in amniotic fluid has been correlated with neural tube defects, anencephaly, hydrocephaly, congenital nephrosis and foetal death7–10. The specific function of AFP has not been determined, but oestrogen-binding and immunoregulation during pregnancy have been implicated11,12. Smith13 noted an effect of rabbit antiserum to rat AFP when injected into pregnant rats. We now report evidence for a specific abortogenic activity of rabbit antiserum to murine AFP (anti-AFP) when administered during gestation in the laboratory mouse.
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MIZEJEWSKI, G., GRIMLEY, P. Abortogenic activity of antiserum to alpha-foetoprotein. Nature 259, 222–224 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/259222a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/259222a0
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