Variation in the levels of pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein in maternal serum from chromosomally abnormal pregnancies

Human pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein (SP1) was assayed retrospectively in stored maternal serum (MS) samples from 82 chromosomally abnormal pregnancies and 377 matched controls. The median MSSP1 concentration in 48 Down's syndrome pregnancies was significantly elevated at 1.17 multiples of the control median (MOM), and significantly reduced (0.5 MOM) in a group of eight cases of unbalanced translocations. There was no significant difference in median SP1 concentrations in cases of trisomy 18, trisomy 13, balanced translocations, or sex chromosome abnormalities. A comparison with human chorionic gonadotrophin results in the same series of samples indicates that SP1 is a less sensitive predictor of Down's syndrome pregnancies.

Serum SP1, hPL and beta-hCG levels in trophoblastic diseases

Serum SP1 (pregnancy specific beta 1 glycoprotein), hPL (human placental lactogen) and beta-hCG (beta-human chorionic gonadotropin) in patients with choriocarcinoma, invasive mole, and hydati-diform mole were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA), and compared with those in normal males, non-pregnant women and normal pregnant women in order to evaluate the clinical significance of SP1, hPL and beta-hCG determinations. Serum SP1 levels at the time of admission were highest in hydatidiform mole (5.1 +/- 0.6 micrograms/L) and lowest in choriocarcinoma (0.5 +/- 0.3 micrograms/L). Serum hPL levels were 68.2 +/- 9.7 ng/L in hydatidiform mole and 26.4 +/- 8.3 ng/L in choriocarcinoma. Serum SP1 and hPL levels in trophoblastic diseases were lower than in normal pregnancies (SP1 11.5 +/- 5.1 micrograms/L, hPL 216.8 +/- 48.1 ng/L). SP1/beta-hCG ratios were less than 1.5 in 4/43 (9.3%) cases of hydatidiform mole and 17/19 (89.5%) cases of invasive mole and choriocarcinoma. The beta-hCG/hPL ratios were below 15 in 35/43 (81.4%) cases of hydatidiform mole and 4/19 (21.1%) malignant trophoblastic diseases. The prognosis after operation and chemotherapy was favourable if patient's SP1 and beta-hCG levels gradually decreased.

Localization of pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein in the male reproductive tract of the rat by in situ hybridization

Human pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (PSG) is found in high concentrations in the serum of pregnant women, but also has been found in the serum of males and nonpregnant females. Northern slot-blot analysis has demonstrated the presence of PSG mRNA in a variety of tissues in the rat, with the highest levels being found in the testis. Therefore, we have investigated further the expression of PSG in the rat male reproductive tract using in situ hybridization. In testes from immature and adult rats, PSG mRNA was localized in Leydig and peritubular cells, and in the walls of the interstitial blood vessels. PSG transcripts were noted also in the tunica albuginea and in the stromal tissue of the caput and cauda epididymis, prostate, and seminal vesicle from adult rats. The function of PSG is unknown, but it has been speculated that PSG may have immunosuppressive properties or that it may serve as a paracrine regulator of growth and differentiation. It is possible, then, that PSG could contribute to the immunological privilege of the testis or that it plays a role in the cellular interactions which increasingly are being shown to be important in the regulation of male reproductive tract tissues.

[The importance of determining trophoblastic beta 1-glycoprotein (TBG) for the early diagnosis and prognosis of placental insufficiency in pregnant women with habitual abortion]

Blood serum TBH levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay over the course of pregnancy in 40 women with normal pregnancy (controls) and 80 with a history of habitual abortions. Weekly measurements of TBH concentrations have revealed a significant reduction of its secretion over the entire pregnancy course in women with a history of habitual abortions vs. the controls (p less than 0.05; 0.01). A reduced TBH level starting from the first pregnancy trimester (4-7-fold reduction) and no manifest elevation of its concentration were the signs predicting the formation of primary placental insufficiency; the risk of its development was particularly high if these signs were associated with low placentation, detachment of the chorion, and recurring threatened abortions. A 10-fold and lower decrease of TBH level, its gradual or drastic reduction are the unfavorable signs preceding a spontaneous abortion. Therefore TBH measurements may be regarded as a screening test for the prediction and early diagnosis of developing placental insufficiency in pregnant women with a history of habitual abortions.

Soluble interleukin-2 receptors and other markers in primary lung cancer

Serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptors (sIL-2R), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta-chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG), pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (SP1), and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M) were taken in 92 patients with primary lung cancer and 43 controls. The mean value of sIL-2R in the cancer group was twice as high as that of the controls (P less than 0.001) and the highest values were observed in those with small cell carcinoma (SCC) (P less than 0.0001). Of the cancer patients, 51.1% had CEA values higher than the cutoff level of 5 ng/ml. Extended-disease patients had a higher percentage of increased CEA values than those with limited disease. Adenocarcinoma (ADCC) and SCC groups had the highest percentages of increased CEA levels. There was no significant difference between the groups for beta-HCG, AFP, SP1, and beta 2M, and intermarker correlation was not seen. The results suggest that sIL-2R and CEA may be useful in monitoring the extent of disease and possibly indicate the histologic subtype, thus having a bearing on treatment and prognosis.

[Immunohistochemical study of the expression of trophoblastic beta-1-globulin in the gastric epithelium of man in stomach cancer]

The expression of specific-pregnancy beta 1-globulin (SP1) was studied in gastric mucosa with chronic gastritis. The expression of SP1 was revealed in focus of intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia as well as in cover epithelial cells.

[Serum trophoblastic beta 1-glycoprotein and alpha fetoprotein levels in physiological pregnancy]

Measurements of maternal blood serum trophoblastic beta 1-glycoprotein and alpha-fetoprotein, carried out over the course of normal pregnancy, have demonstrated a progressive increase of trophoblastic beta 1-glycoprotein up to the 36th week, though its level somewhat reduced during the 28th and 32nd weeks. After week 39 the level of this protein in maternal blood serum progressively lowered. alpha-Fetoprotein level was increasing over the course of pregnancy as long as up to the 32nd-34th weeks, then lowering the rest of the term up to delivery. These data permit a conclusion that the time course of the afore-said specific protein concentrations in pregnancy sufficiently well reflects the processes of fetoplacental system establishment and functioning, this permitting the use of these protein measurements in monitoring the course of gestation.

Human chorionic gonadotropin in esophageal carcinomas. An immunohistochemical study

We have examined immunohistochemically the presence of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in 29 esophageal carcinomas: 24 squamous cell carcinomas, 2 adenocarcinomas, 2 adenoid cystic carcinomas and 1 adenosquamous carcinoma. In hCG-positive tumors, the presence of human placental lactogen (hPL) and pregnancy-specific beta-1 glycoprotein (SP-1) was also assessed. HCG immunoreactive cells were found in 5 squamous cell carcinomas (21%) and in none of 5 non-squamous cell tumors. The hCG positive cells were found in the most infiltrating areas of the tumors where poorly differentiated and pleomorphic cells predominated. The positive tumors were 4 poorly differentiated (31%) and one moderately differentiated carcinoma (12%). Four out of 10 cases (40%) with lymph node metastases had hCG in the primary tumor, whereas only one out of 11 cases (9%) without metastases was hCG positive. HPL and SP-1 were found in two cases. These placental proteins were detected in similar areas than hCG but the number of hPL and SP-1 immunoreactive cells was lower than hCG positive cells. SP-1 was also seen in areas of squamous cell differentiation negative for hCG. None of these two cases showed trophoblastic differentiation.

[Significance of composite scoring of biochemical monitoring in fetal distress]

Urinary E/C ratio, maternal urinary meconial index (UMI), human placental lactogen (hPL) and pregnancy specific beta-1 glycoprotein (SP1) were determined by biochemical and immunologic method. The accuracy of composite scoring method was compared with that of individual index. The results show that composite scoring method was better than the single index in predicting and diagnosis of fetal distress.

Serum levels of steroid and placental protein hormones in ectopic pregnancy

The hormonal profiles of extra-uterine pregnancies (EP) were compared with the normal intra-uterine pregnancies (IUP), and threatened abortions (TA) of good outcome. In 45 cases of EP confirmed histologically, maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), pregnancy specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1), 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) were measured serially before treatment by enzyme immunoassays (EIA). The same hormones were also determined in the control groups, 26 with normal IUP and 24 with TA. All four hormone levels in EP were significantly lower (P less than 0.01-P less than 0.0001) than in normal pregnancies and threatened abortions of matched gestational age except the hCG and E2 in the fifth week of pregnancy. The mean values of E2 and P were found in the normal levels of luteal phase or slightly over them (8th-9th and 9th-10th weeks, respectively). No increase in the hormonal profiles of the above two steroids was noticed between 5 and 10 weeks' gestation in EP.

IN CONCLUSION

(a) The significantly lower values of hCG and SP1 in EP were confirmed; (b) the serial and concurrent hormonal measurements assure the verification of EP and the differentiation from normal IUP and TA of good outcome; (c) the ectopic implantation of trophoblast critically reduces its vitability to hCG and SP1 synthesis and it can only partially compensate for the reduction of corpus luteum function.

The use of cytokeratin as a sensitive and reliable marker for trophoblastic tissue

The use of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), and pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein (SP1) as markers for trophoblastic tissue is well documented in the literature. However, it is not widely recognized that cytokeratin is a very sensitive and reliable marker for all types of trophoblastic tissues. The authors have studied 100 cases of human placental tissue ranging in age from 2 to 40 weeks. Unlike hCG and hPL, which stain only the syncytiotrophoblast and intermediate trophoblast, cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) stains all three types of trophoblastic tissue. The staining of placental tissue for cytokeratin is strong and very consistent throughout pregnancy. Because of its high sensitivity and ability to stain cytotrophoblast, it is believed that it could be very useful in the study of the pathologic process of implantation sites, especially in tissue obtained from patients who present with missed and habitual abortions.

Human chorionic gonadotropin in esophageal carcinomas. An immunohistochemical study

We have examined immunohistochemically the presence of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in 29 esophageal carcinomas: 24 squamous cell carcinomas, 2 adenocarcinomas, 2 adenoid cystic carcinomas and 1 adenosquamous carcinoma. In hCG-positive tumors, the presence of human placental lactogen (hPL) and pregnancy-specific beta-1 glycoprotein (SP-1) was also assessed. HCG immunoreactive cells were found in 5 squamous cell carcinomas (21%) and in none of 5 non-squamous cell tumors. The hCG positive cells were found in the most infiltrating areas of the tumors where poorly differentiated and pleomorphic cells predominated. The positive tumors were 4 poorly differentiated (31%) and one moderately differentiated carcinoma (12%). Four out of 10 cases (40%) with lymph node metastases had hCG in the primary tumor, whereas only one out of 11 cases (9%) without metastases was hCG positive. HPL and SP-1 were found in two cases. These placental proteins were detected in similar areas than hCG but the number of hPL and SP-1 immunoreactive cells was lower than hCG positive cells. SP-1 was also seen in areas of squamous cell differentiation negative for hCG. None of these two cases showed trophoblastic differentiation.

Immunoturbidimetric determination of pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP-1)

We describe a simple and rapid immunoturbidimetric end-point assay for measuring pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP-1) in human serum with the Kone Progress clinical chemistry analyser, using a commercially available antiserum. The absorbance was measured at 340 nm 5 min after addition of antiserum. The assay range was 3-250 mg/l. Over this range the CV for between-day precision was below 6%. Bilirubin up to 160 mumol/l, haemoglobin up to 2 g/l and lipaemia up to 320 mg/l did not interfere. The reference interval in maternal serum at the 15th week of gestation, was 13 to 46 mg/l with a median of 25 mg/l (n = 78) and that of the 16th week was 6 to 60 mg/l with a median of 28 mg/l (n = 78). Comparison of results obtained by two commercially available radio-immunoassays and by the present method shows acceptable correlation. Rapid and reproducible, the immunoturbidimetric method is suitable for use in routine determination of SP-1.

[Biochemical monitoring of pregnancy with a hypotrophic fetus]

The authors attempt to compare the asset of three biochemical parameters in monitoring pregnancies threatened with foetal hypotrophy. In 46 pregnant women hospitalized on account of suspected intrauterine retardation of foetal growth 121 oestrogen estimations in 24-hour urine were made, 83 examinations of serum oestriol and 101 examinations of trophoblast-specific beta-1-globulin (SP1). The authors evaluated the first collected specimen and well as repeated examinations. In women who were delivered of a hypotrophic foetus, in 72.2% there was a pathological course of urinary oestrogens and in 50% of serum oestriol and SP1. At least one of the evaluated indicators was pathological in 94% of the patients. From the results ensues that in biochemical investigations of pregnancies with a retarded intrauterine foetal growth it is useful to investigate several biochemical parameters in a parallel way. It is, however, essential to assess them dynamically as, a single examination does not provide sufficient information.

Maternal serum hCG and SP1 in pregnancies with fetal aneuploidy

In a retrospective study, maternal serum levels of chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and pregnancy specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1) from 63 pregnancies with aneuploid fetuses were compared to the levels observed in pregnancies with a chromosomally normal fetus. Thirty-eight percent of the abnormal pregnancies had elevated levels (greater than 2.0 multiples of the normal median [MoM]) of hCG and 14% had depressed levels (less than 0.25 MoM). With a false-positive rate of 5%, 44% of the 42 fetuses with trisomy 21 would have been detected by elevated hCG levels. With the same false-positive rate, only 21% had elevated SP1 levels. hCG was significantly depressed in 12 pregnancies affected by fetal trisomy 18.

[Determination of pregnancy by detection of SP1 in tissues]

During investigations of murder sometimes in addition to traces of blood only some organs, tissues and remnants of the victim's body are available. Evidence of pregnancy in the residues, mere portions of the divided body without the genitalia would provide important information for the investigation and would help to classify the parts of the body and to identify the victim. Using double radial immunodiffusion in the modification of permanent elution by means of anti-SP 1 antiserum produced according to Malbohan and antiserum of Dakopatts Co. (Glostrum, Denmark) in tissue excisions and tissue impressions the pregnancy product SP 1 (pregnancy-specific-beta-1-glycoprotein) was detected. The author examined 269 different specimens: 1. excisions of organs from women who died during the 8th-35th week of pregnancy by sudden and violent death (43 specimens). 2. excisions which were made during surgical operations of pregnant women during the 8th-20th week of pregnancy (16 specimens) and during delivery by Caesarean section (210 specimens). Excisions from the kidneys, spleen, lungs, liver, heart, skeletal muscle, subcutaneous layer, skin, brain were examined from corpses. During operations excisions from the subcutaneous layer, uterus, skin, great omentum, peritoneum, and oviduct were made and examined. Furthermore the author made 3. impressions of tissues on washed cotton material. In the organs collected on necropsy from pregnant women SP 1 was detected in 82% of the specimens, with the exception of the brain where it was never detected. In tissues from operated pregnant women during the first half of pregnancy SP 1 was detected in 63% specimens incl. only in 33% in the 8th week of pregnancy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evaluation of tumor and trophoblastic marker concentration in breast cyst fluid

In our study we have examined 314 samples of cyst fluid taken from women suffering from fibrocystic breast disease (gross cystic disease). We have subdivided the cyst fluid with respect to epithelial coating and we have related trophoblastic protein content of the cyst fluid with age, seriousness of illness, and cytology of epithelial lining. We have performed RIA analysis of the trophoblastic proteins betahCG, beta1-SP-1, and alphahCG and in a smaller (n=84) group of specimens we have also tested for CEA, TPA, and ferritin. Trophoblastic proteins were positive in cystic fluids but the biological meaning of this is not known and the values are not related to clinical manifestations, except in a group of patients with apocrine metaplasia in which we tried to find a relationship between fertile age and increased betahCG. This finding presumably has a prognostic meaning that can be further understood by epidemiologic studies (of dietary intake and evaluation of lipid metabolites) and by information about inflammatory state of cystic fluid.

[Study of serum SP1 levels in early normal and abnormal pregnancies]

The pregnancy-specific beta 1 glycoprotein (SP1) levels in the serum of normal and abnormal pregnancies were determined by radioimmunoassay in the first trimester. The results indicated that serum SP1 levels of normal pregnancies increased with the advancing gestational week; 67% of threatened abortions with low SP1 levels would finally abort and only 7% of those with normal SP1 levels would abort. Serum SP1 levels were of lower values in ectopic pregnancy and hydatidiform mole. Serum SP1 might be taken as a better index for estimating the fetal prognosis in threatened abortion and an auxiliary diagnostic means for ectopic pregnancy and hydatidiform mole.

[Biochemical monitoring of the fetoplacental unit in pregnant women with a hypotrophic fetus]

The authors investigate the importance of examination of total urinary oestrogens (ET), oestriol (E3) trophoblast-specific beta-1-globulin (SP1) and alpha-1-antrypsin (A1AT) in the blood in a group of 56 pregnant women with suspection of a hypotrophic foetus. They made 192 analyses of ET, 144 E3; 153 SP1; 124 A1AT. With regard to the state of the neonate after delivery they divided the group into sub-groups with a eutrophic neonate and the group with a hypotrophic neonate, and the group with a hypotrophic neonate. They proved by statistical methods a different incidence of pathological values of ET, E3 and SP1 in the two sub-groups. A1AT rises in both sub-groups with advancing pregnancy. The incidence of pathological values was not significant. Assessment of ET is indispensible in any obstetric department; repeated examination is necessary, as one result does not provide adequate information on the function of the placenta and state of the foetus. To confirm the diagnosis, several biochemical parameters should be assessed.

[Purification and chemical characterization of pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1)]

A pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1) was purified from human placenta using either an ion-exchange column [method I] or an anti-SP1 antibody immunoadsorbent column [method II]. The yields were 5.2% with a total of 1.2 mg per placenta [method I], and 9. 4% with a total of 2.2 mg per placenta [method II], respectively. The physicochemical properties (molecular weight, sedimentation coefficient, amino acid composition etc.) of SP1 purified from human placenta by these methods are essentially the same as those of typical SP1. It is thus apparent from the present results that these SP1 from pregnant serum and human placenta cannot be distinguished immunologically and biochemically.

Molecular characterization of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A by electrophoresis

Gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing and multidimensional immunoelectrophoretic techniques have been applied in order to physico-chemically characterize pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). By lectin affinity immunoelectrophoresis, PAPP-A contained sialic acid, glucose/mannose and N-acetyl-alpha-D-galactosamine. Immunoelectrophoretic analyses after incubation with various glycolases confirmed these findings and demonstrated that PAPP-A contained glucuronic acid, perhaps in chondroitin sulphate moities, thus indicating that PAPP-A may be a proteoglycan rather than a glycoprotein. Analysis by metal chelate and dye ligand affinity immunoelectrophoresis demonstrated many similarities between PAPP-A and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M). However, unlike alpha 2M, PAPP-A did not form immunologically reactive complexes when incubated with proteases. Furthermore, as demonstrated by autoradiographic studies, PAPP-A did not contain internal thiolester groups, thus indicating that PAPP-A cannot inhibit proteases by molecular entrapment and, despite the homotetrameric molecular conformation, PAPP-A and alpha 2M may not have evolved from a common ancestral protein.

Elevated sera levels of SP-1 induced by chemotherapy in patients with metastatic gestational trophoblastic diseases

6 patients with invasive mole and 5 patients with choriocarcinoma were treated from 1983 till 1986. Serum samples were analyzed by simultaneous determining of pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein (SP-1) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) using Serono radioimmunoassay kit. In 2 patients with metastatic gestational trophoblastic disease (MGTD) SP-1 peaks were found during chemotherapy. In patients with MGTD with normalized beta-hCG levels a repeated, temporary elevation of isolated SP-1 levels was observed within some months following chemotherapy. After the last isolated peak of SP-1 the pulmonary metastases disappeared. This phenomenon was interpreted as a consequence of the oncolytic process in the affected tissue. In 1 patient with nonmetastatic choriocarcinoma SP-1 ELISA pseudoreaction was found. To recognize these pseudoreactions, a control plate with nonimmunized rabbit IgG was used, simultaneously with SP-1 determinations.

[The effect of specific trophoblastic beta 1-glycoprotein on changes in the cellular link of immunity in infected abortion]

Effects of specific trophoblastic beta-1-glycoprotein (TBG) on T- and B-cell immunity have been explored in 107 patients with purulent septic complications of abortion. TBG showed a marked suppressor effect on T lymphocytes. Persistence of TBG in blood of patients with infection complicated abortion maintains immunodeficient states. The presence of TBG in serum may increase the risk of severe septic complications of illegal abortion.

Comparative study of placental protein 19, human chorionic gonadotrophin and pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein as immunohistochemical markers for extravillous trophoblast in pregnancy and trophoblastic disease

PP19, a new placental tissue protein, has alpha 1-beta 1 electrophoretic mobility, a molecular weight of 36,500 and 3.9% carbohydrate. To study immunocytochemical PP19 localization in extravillous trophoblast, we obtained formalin-fixed specimens from extravillous tubal pregnancy at gestational weeks (GW) 7-9 (12 blocks); four early intrauterine pregnancies at GW 7-13 (12 blocks); four late pregnancies at GW 28-38 complicated with intramural uterine myoma, placenta increta and abruptio placenta (8 blocks); four invasive complete moles (9 blocks); and seven primary and metastatic gestational choriocarcinomas (12 blocks). Immunohistochemical staining was done for PP19, pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) using the indirect-labeled antibody method [purified PP19 (Lot no. 225/242) and antibody against PP19 (Lot no. 632ZA) prepared by H. Bohn, antibodies against hCG (Behringwerke, Marburg, FRG) and SP1 (Dakopatts, Copenhagen, Denmark)]. In both early and late intrauterine pregnancies, the extravillous syncytiotrophoblastic cell (XST) showed positive staining for hCG and SP1 in the cytoplasm, as well as for PP19, which stained more intensively in the nucleus than in the cytoplasm. The three proteins were not seen in the evtravillous cytotrophoblastic cell (XCT) in the trophoblastic cell column and shell. The interstitial cytotrophoblast-like cell (ICT), which infiltrated into the decidua and myometrium, and their blood vessels, was immunoreactively positive for PP19 but negative for hCG and SP1 with the exception of SP1-positive ICT in the myometrium in late pregnancy. XST and ICT in the endosalpinx of tubal pregnancy stained for all three proteins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of baboon pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein

Immunostaining of baboon placental tissues with anti-human pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SPI) antibodies demonstrated that an SP1-like molecule was present in the syncytiotrophoblasts. Staining was observed on the membrane and in the cytoplasm, but the nucleus was devoid of any staining. Western blot analysis further demonstrated the presence of five protein species in baboon placental extract, whereas four protein bands were detected in human placental extract. Culture medium of baboon placental villi also contained five SP1-like molecules with sizes slightly different from those present in the placental extract. Amniotic fluid and culture medium of decidua basalis and chorioamniotic tissue contained lesser quantities and fewer species of SP1-like molecules. However, an 87 kDa band was present in all samples examined. Northern blot analysis of baboon placenta with a human placental SP1 cDNA probe demonstrated the presence of a 1.65 Kb band, whereas two hybridizing bands (1.65 Kb and 2.25 Kb) were present in human placenta. Southern blot analysis of baboon genomic DNA further demonstrated the presence of multiple bands hybridizing with a human placental SP1 cDNA probe. These results showed the presence in baboons of multiple genes encoding mRNAs and proteins highly similar to human placental SP1.

Immunocytochemical staining patterns of placentas associated with hydrops fetalis

This study examined the morphology and immunocytochemical staining patterns of distribution of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG), human placental lactogen (HPL), placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), and pregnancy-specific beta-1 glycoprotein (SP1) in 13 third-trimester placentas associated with hydrops fetalis and six normal control placentas matched for gestational age (+/- 2 weeks). Seven placentas were hydropic (540-1,080 g) and demonstrated histologic immaturity with large edematous chorionic villi showing few blood vessels, most of which contained immature hematopoietic elements. These placentas showed consistently increased staining for beta-HCG and decreased staining for PLAP when compared with control placentas, a pattern reminiscent of less mature placentas. HPL and SP1 staining were similar to those of controls. Six placentas were either sclerotic (four) or histologically unremarkable (two), and these did not differ in their immunocytochemical staining properties from control placentas. We conclude that third-trimester hydropic placentas, in addition to showing histologic immaturity, exhibit an immunocytochemical staining pattern associated with first-trimester placentas.

Placental proteins in high-grade urothelial neoplasms. An immunohistochemical study of human chorionic gonadotropin, human placental lactogen, and pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein

We examined the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in 16 low-grade and 47 high-grade urothelial neoplasms, including two cases with trophoblastic-like differentiation. In HCG-positive tumors, the presence of human placental lactogen (HPL) and pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein (SP-1) also was assessed. HCG immunoreactive cells were found in nine of the 47 high-grade tumors (19%), whereas none of the low-grade tumors were positive for HCG. This hormone was predominantly detected in the most undifferentiated and pleomorphic areas; however, HCG-positive cells also were found in areas of carcinoma in situ and well-differentiated transitional cell carcinoma in two cases. The serum HCG level was increased in two of the four cases studied. HPL and SP-1 immunoreactive cells were observed in seven and five cases, respectively, and it was found that tumors positive for SP-1 also were positive for HPL. Five tumors, including the two with trophoblastic differentiation, contained the three placental proteins. The HPL and SP-1 immunostained cells were usually found in the same areas of the tumor that were positive for HCG, but there was always a lower number of HPL and SP-1 immunoreactive cells than HCG immunoreactive cells. In one case, HPL and SP-1 could be found in areas of well-differentiated transitional cell carcinoma. These findings suggest that the morphologic and functional trophoblastic differentiation in urothelial carcinomas is a progressive phenomenon evolving from transitional cell carcinomas.

[Clinical significance of pregnancy-specific beta glycoprotein, human placental lactogen and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in the serum of patients with trophoblastic diseases]

Serum levels of pregnancy specific beta 1 glycoprotein (SP1), human placental lactogen (hPL) and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) in the normal men, non-pregnant women, normal pregnant women and patients with trophoblastic diseases were determined by radioimmunoassay. Serum SP1, hPL and beta-hCG levels in patients with trophoblastic diseases decreased with advance of the degree of malignancy. The SP1/beta-hCG ratio was less than 1.5 in 4/36(11.1%) of the cases of hydatidiform mole, 13/16 (81.2%) of the cases of invasive mole and choriocarcinoma. The beta-hCG/hPL ratios were below 15 in 30/36 (83.3%) of the cases of hydatidiform mole and 4/16(25.5%) of the cases of malignant trophoblastic disease. After operation and chemotherapy, patients with SP1 and beta-hCG levels decreased gradually achieved favourable prognosis. Thus, this may be used as an index for monitoring and follow-up studies of trophoblastic disease.

Serum specific protein 1 and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin concentrations in patients with suspected ectopic pregnancies

To determine the predictive value of serum specific protein 1 (SP1) and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, blood was sampled from 82 patients referred for suspected early extrauterine pregnancies. Serum concentrations of SP1 and beta-hCG were determined by EIA and RIA. All patients with early pregnancies had detectable SP1 and beta-hCG levels. An intrauterine pregnancy was found in six patients, and an ectopic pregnancy was confirmed by surgical explorations in 32 of these women. The remaining 40 women had other non-pregnancy related complaints. In all pregnant patients, the beta-hCG RIA and SP EIA determinations were also found positive. This study demonstrates the high predictive value of serum SP1 and beta-hCG determinations with an acceptable sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of suspected early ectopic pregnancies. In addition, the practicability and the easy performance of the enzymoimmunometric SP1 determination renders this test superior over the radioimmunoassay for beta-hCG determination.

The serum pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein to beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin ratio as an index of prognosis in patients with choriocarcinoma

The ratio of serum pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1) to the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-hCG) before and after chemotherapy was measured in 12 patients with metastatic choriocarcinoma. The ratios before chemotherapy ranged between 0.03 and 0.75, with a mean value of 0.34 (SD 0.21). The ratio increased to over 1.0 (1.05-53.3) after one or two courses of chemotherapy in seven of the 12 patients. These women achieved complete remission. In the other five patients who died of the disease due to drug resistance of the tumour, the ratio after chemotherapy was low (0.04-0.74) and tended to decline. These data suggest that the serum SP1/beta-hCG ratio can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with choriocarcinoma.

Comparison of pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1) and ultrasound in predicting the date of delivery

The accuracy of ultrasound measurements (crown-rump length and gestational sac diameter) and the serum concentration of pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1) in the prediction of the date of birth was analysed in a study population of 94 patients. When measured before 8 weeks after the last menstrual period (LMP) the serum concentration of SP1 was found to be a good predictor of the expected date of delivery and a good alternative to ultrasound, but it was of limited use when determined at a later gestation.

Diagnosis of early pregnancy by enzyme immunoassay of Schwangerschafts-protein 1

Serum Schwangerschafts-protein 1 (SP1) and beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) were measured by enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoassay, respectively, in the follicular phase and luteal phase of 50 human menopausal gonadotropin treatment cycles. SP1 could be detected in 63% of blood samples taken in the follicular phase up to the level of 1.56 micrograms/l. Using a cutoff level of 2 micrograms/l, SP1 could be used to diagnose pregnancy 16 to 25 days after the ovulating dose of hCG. The serum SP1 level is not affected by hCG injections and it can be used for diagnosis of pregnancy even when hCG has been given recently. SP1 also may be used as a prognostic indicator of the outcome of the pregnancy.

Isolation and characterization of rat trophoblast cells

Previous immunohistochemical studies of the rat placenta using specific alloantisera and/or monoclonal antibodies showed that the basal zone trophoblasts stained for Pa and Aa class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and for the human SP1-related antigen. In an effort to isolate the basal zone trophoblast cells from the rat placenta, we used these markers to assess the degree of purification of the cells separated by density gradient centrifugation using either Ficoll-Hypaque or Percoll as the gradient medium. The cells were put either on the top or at the bottom of discontinuous density gradients in the range of 1.005-1.10 g/ml. The cell separation profiles for the two media were different. With Percoll, most of the trophoblast cells (80-95%) were collected at the density gradients 1.04/1.06 and 1.06/1.08, whereas with Ficoll-Hypaque, these gradients separated only a small fraction (4-23%) of the trophoblast cells, and most of them pelleted at the bottom of the tube. The trophoblast cells separated by Ficoll-Hypaque, however, showed fewer contaminant cells than those separated by the Percoll gradients.

Prognostic factors in breast cancer: immunohistochemical staining for SP1 and NCRC 11 related to survival, tumour epidermal growth factor receptor and oestrogen receptor status

It has been proposed that intense immunohistochemical staining using the monoclonal antibody NCRC 11 is indicative of a better prognosis in breast cancer, and that expression of pregnancy specific glycoprotein (SP1) and epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) are poor prognosis indicators. In order to evaluate the significance of staining for NCRC 11 to prognosis and to these other variables, we studied two series of breast cancer patients. In one series (n = 93), staining with NCRC 11 and for SP1 was correlated with prognosis: in neither case was there any overall relationship between staining and survival. However, when the patients were stratified by tumour histological (Bloom's) grade, SP1 expression was associated with a poorer prognosis in grade II tumours (p less than 0.025). In a further series (n = 94), NCRC 11 staining was carried out and fresh tumour samples were assayed biochemically for oestrogen receptor (OER) and EGFR. NCRC 11 showed a negative correlation with EGFR status (p = less than 0.05) but no significant association with OER status. Thus despite our demonstration of a negative correlation with an indicator of poorer prognosis, we were unable to demonstrate any direct relationship between staining with NCRC 11 and survival.

Oncoplacental protein SP1--a constitutive and inducible late differentiation marker of the human myelomonocytic lineage

The oncoplacental protein SP1 is found in large quantities in human placenta, amniotic fluid, and pregnancy serum. Low levels have been reported in association with malignancy but also in healthy nonpregnant individuals. By indirect immunofluorescence, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and immunoprecipitation we here demonstrate the presence of SP1 both on the surface and in the cytoplasm of human granulocytes but not in earlier myeloid progenitor cells in bone marrow. Lymphocytes did not contain the protein, and only trace amounts could be found in the cytoplasm of blood monocytes. A major glycoprotein with an apparent mol wt of 90,000 was obtained by immunoprecipitation of surface-labeled granulocytes. Cultivated blood monocytes, while adhering to surfaces or forming multinuclear giant cells, displayed a strong membrane and cytoplasmic expression of SP1. Treatment of the myeloid leukemia cell line ML-2 with tetraphorbol acetate (TPA) strongly induced SP1 in the membrane and cytoplasm as revealed by immunofluorescence and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of immunoprecipitates from lysates of surface radiolabeled cells. The induction of synthesis of SP1 in TPA-treated cells was confirmed by immunoprecipitation from lysates of cells metabolically labeled with 35S-methionine. Human lymphoblastoid and erythroleukemic cell lines did not express SP1 either before or after induced differentiation. Thus SP1 provides a late differentiation marker for the myelomonocytic lineage and is strongly induced during macrophage differentiation or by TPA treatment of ML-2 cells.

[Immunochemical and physico-chemical characteristics of glycoprotein from retroplacental blood having several common antigenic determinants with trophoblastic beta 1-glycoprotein]

A glycoprotein (TSG-fs) isolated from retroplacental blood is shown to have common antigenic determinants with trophoblast-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (TSG, SP-1). Antigenic activity of TSG-fs constitute 3.4% of TSG's activity. Like TSG, glycoprotein TSG-fs contains four intramolecular disulfide bonds and belongs to proteins with predominantly beta-structure. CD-spectroscopy data give evidence of high stability of the secondary structure of TSG-fs. Immunochemical identity of TSG-fs with the reduced and carboxymethylated derivative of TSG has been demonstrated. The above data allow to suggest that TSG-fs is a fragment of the TSG molecule.

Immunohistochemical localization of placental proteins and tumor-associated antigens in endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia

As to endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia, this study represents the localizations of the placental proteins and the tumor-associated antigens by both immunohistochemical light microscopy (ILM) and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM). The reagents examined include human placental lactogen (HPL), placental alkaline phosphatase (PAP), pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1), alpha 1-anti-trypsin (alpha-AT), and tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA). The tumor cells stained for HPL are localized and the SP1-positive cancer cells are almost entirely restricted to an infiltrating front. alpha-AT is shown in both tumor cells with marked cellular atypism and ones in deeply infiltrating foci. The immunoreactive frequency for the above six reagents in endometrial cancer is higher than that in endometrial hyperplasia. In endometrial cancer, the high frequency of an immunoreaction is confirmed in TPA (p less than 0.05). The combined stainings, i.e. either for TPA and SP1 or for TPA and PAPP-A, are efficient immunohistochemical screening methods to use in diagnosing endometrial cancer in the biopsied specimens (p less than 0.05).