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Immunoreactive endorphin peptides in amniotic fluid during labour
Author(s) -
RISS PAUL A.,
BIEGLMAYER CHRISTIAN
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1983.tb06745.x
Subject(s) - amniotic fluid , peptide , chemistry , biology , biochemistry , pregnancy , fetus , genetics
Summary. Immunoreactive endorphin peptides (irEP) were measured in term amniotic fluids at induction by amniotomy ( n =8), during early and late first stage of labour ( n =52), at vaginal delivery ( n =30) and at caesarean section ( n= 10). Individual values ranged from 50 to 222 pg/ml, but mean values did not differ significantly, and serial determinations revealed that irEP in the amniotic fluid remained almost constant in each woman from the first stage of labour through to delivery. There was no correlation between pathological changes in the cardiotocogram or low umbilical artery pH and irEP levels in the amniotic fluid at vaginal delivery. We conclude that immunoreactive endorphin peptides in the amniotic fluid probably are of fetal or placental origin and do not reflect fetal wellbeing or distress.