Abstract
Summary Neopterin and β2-microglobulin but neither C-reactive protein nor deoxythymidine kinase increased in maternal serum from pregnancy week 20 to 40. Only maternal C-reactive protein concentrations changed during vaginal delivery and after 4 days post partum. Retroplacental plasma levels of neopterin, deoxythymidine kinase and β2-microglobulin were significantly higher than in maternal peripheral serum which was interpreted as an indication of increased activity of the immune system as influenced by the fetoplacental unit. The concentrations of neopterin, deoxythymidine kinase and β2-microglobulin were significantly higher in mixed artero-venous umbilical plasma than in the retroplacental plasma, possibly reflecting activation signals to immunocompetent cells in the neonates. The possibility of a transfer of these compounds from fetal to maternal circulation was also pointed out.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
