PMID: 6169062Jan 1, 1980Paper

The in vitro production of alpha--fetoprotein variants by human fetal organs

Oncodevelopmental Biology and Medicine : the Journal of the International Society for Oncodevelopmental Biology and Medicine
A Mackiewicz, J Breborowicz

Abstract

We have demonstrated the immunological identity of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) produced in vitro by various fetal organs such as the yolk sac, liver, intestine and kidney. AFP produced in vitro by these organs, present in fetal serum and in samples of amniotic fluid was, however, heterogeneous when studied by lectin affinity immunoelectrophoresis. Results obtained with Concanavalin A were comparable to those obtained with Lentil agglutinin, but Concanavalin A separated AFP into two variants only, while Lentil agglutinin recognised three AFP variants. AFP produced by the yolk sac, intestine and kidney was similar in their proportions of variants and differed clearly from liver AFP. The ratios of AFP variants present in fetal serum were dissimilar to those of yolk sac AFP and of liver AFP. Relative amounts of AFP variants in fetal serum were similar in the first and last trimester of gestation. The proportions of AFP variants present in amniotic fluid in the first trimester of gestation were different from fetal serum, but, at the end of pregnancy, they become identical to those observed in fetal serum. Application of AFP variants for prenatal and cancer diagnosis is discussed.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.