Abstract
Objective. To study concentration gradients of the low molecular mass proteins, ß2‐microglobulin, cystatin C and ß‐trace protein, between the uterine and ante‐cubital veins, the umbilical artery and vein and in the amniotic fluid compartment. Material and methods. The study comprised 27 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies undergoing caesarean section at term. Samples were collected simultaneously and paired t‐tests were used to compare mean plasma concentrations. Results. There was no significant concentration gradient in the plasma levels of ß2‐microglobulin, cystatin C or ß‐trace protein between the uterine and antecubital veins. There were no correlations between the protein levels in the compartments. Conclusion. The utero‐placental unit does not contribute significantly to the maternal levels of ß2‐microglobulin, cystatin C and ß‐trace protein in normal pregnancy, and the proteins are not likely to be transferred across the placental barrier.
Published Version
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