Pregnancy. Vascular endothelial growth factor is bound in amniotic fluid and maternal serum

Authors: Piia Vuorela-Vepsäläinen¹; Henrik Alfthan²; Arto Orpana²; Kari Alitalo³; Ulf-Håkan Stenman²

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 14, Number 5, May 1999 , pp. 1346-1351(6)

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Abstract:

To study vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placenta growth factor (PlGF) concentrations and their possible binders, serum from 22 non-pregnant and 55 pregnant women (15 at weeks 10–13; 40 at term), umbilical vein (n = 24) and artery (n = 13) and amniotic fluid (a pool of 50 at weeks 15–17; 11 at term) were assessed for VEGF and PlGF by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In amniotic fluid and maternal serum VEGF concentrations were <16 ng/ml and added VEGF was not recovered. VEGF was detected in serum from mothers post-partum (137 ± 142 ng/l, mean ± SD), umbilical artery (421 ± 288 ng/l) and vein (502 ± 339 ng/l) and non-pregnant controls (182 ± 147 ng/l), and added VEGF was fully recovered. PlGF was detected in pregnancy serum (52 ± 23 ng/l early pregnancy; 439 ± 217 ng/l term pregnancy) and in amniotic fluid (early pregnancy 56 ng/l; term pregnancy 30 ± 18 ng/l). PlGF was fully recovered in all samples. Gel filtration and isoelectric focusing revealed that in maternal serum and amniotic fluid [¹²⁵I]VEGF was bound to a protein with an M<INF>r</INF> of 400–700 kDa and an isoelectric point of approximately 8. This protein was not identical with alpha-2-macroglobulin (by an immunofluorometric assay), pregnancy zone protein or pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (by immunodiffusion). In conclusion, VEGF-binding activity is present in amniotic fluid and maternal blood. It disappears after delivery and is not detectable in fetal or non-pregnant serum.

Keywords: amniotic fluid; PlGF; pregnancy-associated binding; VEGF

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2: Department of Clinical Chemistry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 2, FIN-00290 Helsinki and 3: Molecular/Cancer Biology Laboratory, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Finland

Publication date: 1999-05-01

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Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

Pregnancy. Vascular endothelial growth factor is bound in amniotic fluid and maternal serum

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