Biochemical Differentiation of Gestational Compartments in the Midgestational Fetal Rabbit

Objectives: The fetal rabbit at midgestation is increasingly being used as a model in fetal diagnosis and therapy. In this study, we aimed to establish a reliable method for identification of the origin of sampled extra-embryonic fluids based on selected biochemical components. Methods: In 6 pregnan...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inFetal diagnosis and therapy Vol. 16; no. 5; pp. 289 - 293
Main Authors Devlieger, R., Gratacós, E., Wu, J., Ardon, H., Vereecken, A., Deprest, J.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel, Switzerland Karger 01.09.2001
S. Karger AG
Subjects
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

Loading…
More Information
Summary:Objectives: The fetal rabbit at midgestation is increasingly being used as a model in fetal diagnosis and therapy. In this study, we aimed to establish a reliable method for identification of the origin of sampled extra-embryonic fluids based on selected biochemical components. Methods: In 6 pregnant does at 22 days of gestation, 18 gestational sacs were sampled for amniotic, allantoic and exocoelomic fluid. These fluids, as well as matching maternal and fetal blood samples, were assayed for levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase and progesterone. Results: Levels of sodium and potassium were, respectively, lower and higher in the allantoic fluid when compared to other extra-embryonic spaces. Amniotic fluid had a significantly lower total protein content and higher level of alkaline phosphatase when compared to the exocoelomic fluid. Significant levels of progesterone could only be detected in maternal blood. Conclusions: In the midgestational rabbit, a combined assay of potassium, alkaline phosphatase and progesterone can determine the gestational cavity of origin of the sampled fluid. The obtained gradients for these markers suggest compartment-specific production and/or inter-cavity transfer mechanisms.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-2
content type line 23
ISSN:1015-3837
1421-9964
DOI:10.1159/000053930