Abstract 21
Objective: To study, whether serum levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) change after birth, due to the elimination of the placenta and to the diminished angiogenic, but increased adaptational demands of the newborn. Also, whether serum levels correlate with sex (S), birth weight (BW) or mode of delivery (MD). Methods: Serum from 30 healthy, AGA, fullterm infants on day 1 (N1) and 4 (N4) postnatally, and in 10 of the above cases also maternal (MS) and umbilical cord serum (UC) was analyzed by EIA. Results: Levels of bFGF and VEGF were significantly lower in MS than in UC (p=0.02 and 0.036 respectively), N1 (p=0.009 and 0.006 respectively) and N4 (p=0.009 and 0.006 respectively). Levels of bFGF in UC did not differ from those in N1 and N4, while levels of VEGF rose in N1, differing from levels in UC (p=0.008). Both factors did not change from N1 to N4. Neither factor depended on S, BW or MD. Conclusion: bFGF serum levels do not differ among fetuses and newborns, possibly reflecting diminished angiogenesis already started in utero. In contrast, VEGF levels rise significantly after birth, due to adaptation demands, as VEGF is also considered a regulator of normal function.
