Abstract
Amino Acid (AA) concentrations in 111 normal amniotic fluids (AF) obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis between 10 and 40 weeks of pregnancy and 89 corresponding maternal plasmas (MP) were measured using a Beckman 121 automatic AA analyser. Scatter diagrams of concentration versus gestational age were plotted for each amino acid. All calculations were made using a control data Serial 6600 computer system. Thirty six AA's and related compounds were identified in AF and MP samples. The concentration of eight AA's: Phe, Tyr, Val, Leu, Ile, Lys, Ala and His decreased towards the end of pregnancy in AF but the Phe/Tyr ratio remained constant. Our results show that the great variation in Lys concentration between the 10th to the 20th week does not permit fetal age correlation studies. In the study of high risk pregnancies there is a marked elevation of AA concentrations in sacs containing two fetuses. In addition, the presence of β-amino-isobutyric acid in AF may be an indication of fetal distress.
Near term (38 to 41 weeks) all AA values were lower in AF as compared with the first voided urine samples. In cord Hood all AA's except Met, Pro and Ans were more elevated than in AF samples. These findings suggest that certain AF amino acid concentrations are related to fetal development. Supported by the Medical Research Council of Canada grant MA-4741.
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Dallaire, L., Potier, M. & Melançon, S. EVALUATION OF THE FETO-MATERNAL AMINO ACID METABOLISM AS AN AID TO PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF GENETIC DISORDERS AND FETAL DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES. Pediatr Res 8, 388 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00288
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00288
