Abstract
Fibrinonectins are glycoproteins with important biological functions in host defense. Human plasma fibronectin levels were assayed longitudinally in 22 normal, low risk pregnant women (first and second trimesters, delivery, 4-8 weeks postpartum, cord plasma on each baby) utilizing a rapid immunoturbidometric procedure. Total plasma protein levels were determined simultaneously.
Mean fibronectin levels rose significantly throughout pregnancy (p < 0.01) and at delivery maternal levels (315.6 ± 21.2) significantly (p < 0.01) exceeded cord levels (137.9 ± 11.9). Four to 8 weeks postpartum fibronectin levels remained at delivery levels (309.6 ± 11.9) while total protein levels had returned to normal (7.8 ± 0.1). No significant ethnic differences in fibronectin levels were observed during pregnancy or between postpartum lactating and nonlactating mothers.
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Hess, L., Holmberg, J., Monaghan, W. et al. PLASMA FIBRONECTIN LEVELS IN NORMAL PREGNANCY. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 257 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00982
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00982