Free aminoacids and alpha-aminoacid nitrogen in cord and maternal sera at delivery and in nonpregnant women.

Abstract

Serum levels of alpha aminoacid nitrogen and free aminoacids were studied in forty-two newborns, their mothers and in ten non-pregnant healthy women. The alpha aminoacid nitrogen was raised in the cord and maternal sera as compared with the value in the sera of non-pregnant women. The highest levels were seen in the immature babies. Taurine was spotted in more mothers and newborns as compared to non-pregnant women. The levels of many of the aminoacids in sera were highest in the newborns and lowest in the non-pregnant women. The feto-maternal ratio for essential aminoacids was elevated in the fullterm babies and lowest in the immatures while the reverse were the findings for non-essential aminoacids. The role played by the growing placenta with advancing gestation in raising the fetal and to some extent maternal aminoacids and alpha aminoacid nitrogen is discussed.