Pa 1, a new inherited alpha-2-globulin of human serum

Human pregnancy-associated plasma proteins during the postpartum period

The plasma levels of four pregnancy-associated plasma proteins (PAPP's) and pregnancy zone protein (PZP) were studied in women after delivery of a single viable infant by gel immunodiffussion methods. Data from 89 random samples and 85 serial specimens from five women revealed that both PAPP-B and HPL (PAPP-D) disappeared within a day after delivery. PAPP-A showed a rapid drop in the first 2 or 3 days post partum and became nondetectable in 4 to 6 weeks, with a half-life of 3 to 4 days. PAPP-C had a sharp decrease by the second postpartum day and was not detected 3 to 4 weeks later, with a half-life of 1 to 2 days. None of the PAPP's was detected again during the rest of the 14 postpartum weeks studied. In contrast, the PZP showed a much slower decrease or even a temporary increase during the first 2 weeks post partum; it remained readily detectable over the entire 14 weeks studied.

Measurement of pregnancy-associated plasma proteins during human gestation

Studies of four pregnancy-associated plasma proteins (PAPP's) were made on 206 plasma samples obtained from 175 pregnant women between 12 and 44 wk of gestation. The concentration of three PAPP's (A, C, and D) were assayed by quantitative crossed immunoelectrophoresis. They showed a gradual but small rate of increase during the 2nd trimester, which became more rapid in the 3rd trimester. PAPP-A continued to rise steadily during this period, while PAPP-C and PAPP-D (recently identified as human placental lactogen) tended to reach a plateau. Although PAPP-B could not be quantitated because of technical problems, it was detected in over 50% of the samples from the last 2 mo of gestation, but was almost never seen in those obtained during the 12th-28th wk of gestation. Various parameters were analyzed to determine their possible correlation with the PAPP levels during the last month of gestation. The race and age of the mother showed no influence on any of the PAPP's, while parity, sex of fetus, and infant birth weights appeared to affect the plasma concentration of some of the PAPP's. In the two instances studied, mothers of twins showed abnormally high PAPP levels.

Serum -macroglobulins in renal disease and preeclampsia

The serum levels of alpha(2)-macroglobulin and pregnancy-associated globulin (another alpha-macroglobulin) have been measured by means of a radial immunodiffusion technique in (1) renal disease with and without proteinuria, (2) in age- and sex-matched controls, (3) in preeclampsia with and without proteinuria, and (4) in normal pregnant controls. There are significant increases in alpha(2)-macroglobulin and pregnancy-associated globulin in renal disease accompanied by proteinuria but normal levels are found in renal disease without proteinuria. Compared with normal pregnancy, alpha(2)-macroglobulin is significantly raised in preeclampsia with proteinuria but normal in preeclampsia without proteinuria. In contrast, serum pregnancy-associated globulin is significantly reduced in preeclampsia both with and without proteinuria when compared with normal pregnancy.