Evaluation of Biochemical Composition of Amniotic and Allantoic Fluids at Different Stages of Pregnancy in Queens.

Abstract

Simple SummaryFetal fluid contents influence growth and development, fetal wellbeing and a protection mechanism for the fetus itself. Very little is known about the composition of fetal fluids during pregnancy in cats and about changes in contents that occur throughout gestation. In this study, initial results regarding the biochemical composition of fetal fluids are provided. A comparison with maternal serum was also performed. A complete understanding of trends can be helpful for the early detection of some pathologies during pregnancy, such as in humans and mares.Fetal fluid contents have functions in protecting fetuses and are essential for fetal development and maturation. However, little is known about the exact physiological functions of fetal fluids in fetal development, as well as the changing composition throughout the gestational period in cats. In this study, the biochemical composition of amniotic (AMN) and allantoic (ALL) fluids was investigated, as well as in the maternal serum of pregnant queens. Eighteen queens were included in this study and assigned to six different groups, D20, D25, D30, D40, D45 and D60, according to the gestational stage of fetal development. A total of 44 amniotic and 37 allantoic samples were collected. Fetal fluids contained lesser concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatine kinase, amylase, total protein and globulin than maternal serum. Other variables, such as aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase, were in different concentrations at specific stages of gestation when compared to maternal serum. There were no differences between fetal fluids and maternal serum for lactate dehydrogenase, urea, lipase or glucose concentrations. There were greater concentrations of creatinine in amniotic fluid than in allantoic fluid or maternal serum. Based on the results of this study, fetal fluids do not accumulate as a result of the simple filtration of maternal blood, but rather, the fetus produces many of these components as a consequence of organ development and maturation.