The diagnostic value of maternal pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein in threatened abortion.

208 serum SP1 measurements have been made in 124 women admitted at the 8th to 20th gestational week for the treatment of threatened abortion. Pregnancy ended in abortion in 85,6 p.c. of the cases with pathological serum levels, while only 16,9 p.c. of the women with normal serum concentration aborted. The results demonstrate the prognostic value of serum SP1 estimations in early pregnancy.

Placental proteins (SP1, hCG, PP5) and alpha 2-PAG in trophoblastic diseases.

455 serial serum samples from 41 patients with trophoblastic tumour were analysed. Pregnancy-specific beta-1 glycoprotein (SP1), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and placental protein 5 (PP5) were measured by specific radioimmunoassay. Pregnancy-associated alpha 2-glycoprotein (alpha 2-PAG) was measured by electroimmunoassay. SP1 and hCG levels were high in 36 and 35 patients respectively; alpha 2-PAG concentration was also high in 29 patients. PP5 was found only in patients with a hydatidiform mole and it disappeared from serum within a few hours of evacuation. SP1 and hCG levels decreased during the course of the treatment but seronegativity was reached only after some months: hCG was still detectable after that and disappeared from the serum more slowly. Both parameters were sensitive indicators of residual tumour activity and indicated the need more effective treatment some months before clinical manifestations of recurrence became evident. In some patients only one of the tumour markers was present during follow-up, indicating the importance of careful monitoring including the measurement of serum SP1 and hCG levels. A positive correlation between alpha 2-PAG and hCG, SP1 and the clinical course was found only in 80% of patients a finding which demonstrates the limited value of alpha 2-PAG measurements.

The prognosis of the possible foetal and placental complications during delivery by measuring maternal serum levels of pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein (SP1).

The correlation between pathological maternal SP1 serum levels and possible foetal complications during delivery was studied. In 1954, SP1 measurements were made in 823 pregnant women between the 32nd and 40th gestational weeks. On the basis of SP1 serum concentrations groups of patients were formed. The results clearly show that pathological SP1 serum concentrations are frequently associated with intrauterine growth retardation of the foetus, imminent intrauterine asphyxia, and cesarean section indicated by foetal distress. The SP1 placental function-test is recommended as a simple, inexpensive screening method for the detection of placental insufficiency.

Quantitative Immunological study of pregnancy-associated alpha2-globulin antigen.

Pregnancy-associated alpha2-globulin antigen, a protein whigh is practically absent from the serum of nonpregnant individuals or could be found in the quantity of only a few milligram percent, gradually accumulates during pregnancy. A peak value of 96 +/- 44 mg% is reached by the 31st week of gestation. In the last 2 months of pregnancy a decrease was observed to 65 +/- 30 mg% before delivery. Significantly lower levels of this protein could be found in prolonged pregnancy and in case of abortions associated with placenta destruction. Elevated amounts of this characteristical pregnancy protein could be found in 63% of 100 tumor patients.

Serum level of pregnancy associated alpha2-globulin in patients with spontaneous abortions.

Pregnancy associated alpha2-globulin serum levels have been measured in abortion-cases. In cases of incomplete abortion with placental destruction and missed abortion this alpha2-globulin level significantly decreased, but no changes could be found when the placenta remained intact. The prognostic value of this pregnancy protein is discussed.

Investigation of the serum level of pregnancy-associated alpha2-globulin during contraceptive treatment by means of radial immunodiffusion method.

The serum level of pregnancy-associated alpha2-globulin was studied in 70 healthy women taking three different types of oral contraceptives [40 Bisecurin: containing 1.0 mg of Ethynodiol diaceticum +0.05 mg Ethynilestradiol; 20 Infecundin: containing 2.5 mg of Norethynodrel +0.1 mg of Mestranol; 10 Cervicundin: containing of 0.5 mg Ethynodiol diaceticum]. Elevated amounts of serum level of pregnancy associated alpha2-globulin could be detected in 37 of the 40 women taking Bisecurin and in all 20 taking Infecundin. Cervicundin however, failed to induce any change in the serum protein pattern of the 10 subjects studied. Serum levels of pregnancy-associated alpha2-globulin were higher in the Infecundin-taking (53 mg %), than in the Bisecurin-taking group (29 mg %). This shows the oestrogen dependency of the pregnancy-associated alpha2-globulin and points to a possible implication of this globulin in the immunosuppressive processes.

PIP: Investigations of the qualitative changes of serum proteins in 70 healthy women taking oral contraceptives for several months are reported. Of these, 20 took Infecundin (2.5 mg norethynodrel plus .1 mg mestranol), 40 took Bisecurin (1 mg ethynodiol diacetate plus .05 mg ethinyl estradiol), and 10 took Cervicundin (.5 mg ethynodiol diacetate). Measurements were made in 30 cases before therapy and in all subjects 2 and 3 months after treatment. Pregnancy-associated alpha-2-globulin was measured by the radial immunodiffusion method using standard antigen and monospecific antiserum. In the 30 cases studied before therapy, pregnancy-associated alpha-2-globulin was found in the serum of 8, but in very small amounts. This alpha-2-globulin was found in the serum of all 20 women taking Infecundin, mean level 53 + or -37 mg%. This level corresponds to serum levels normally found at the 18th week of gestation. After Bisecurin therapy the alpha-2-globlin was found in 37 of the 40 subjects. The mean level was 29 + or -24 mg%. This level corresponds to serum levels normally found between the 10th-14th weeks of pregnancy. These findings are thought to indicate the estrogen dependence of this protein. No increase was found in any of the 10 patients taking Cervicundin which contains gestagen only. The findings were considered statistically significant (p less than .05). This protein has been isolated from the serum of 63 of 100 patients with tumors, 91 malignant and 9 benign, but mostly in small amounts. It is thought to influence the immune tolerance of the human organism. In 12 cases of cancer of the corpus uteri this protein disappeared, or markedly decreased, 2 months after radical surgery.

Quantitative serum levels of pregnancy associated alpha2-globulin in patients with benign and malignant tumours.

Pregnancy associated alpha2-globulin estimations were made in the serum of 100 tumour-cases. This characteristically pregnancy protein could be found in 63 p.c. of the tumour cases. The number of positive sera was higher, than in normal controls. The serum level of pregnancy associated alpha 2-globulin was between 1 and 10 mg p.c. in 34 cases, between 11 and 20 mg p.c. in 19 cases and value above 20 mg p.c. could only be found in 10 patients. This alpha2-globulin positivity could be seen more frequently in female than in male patients. Role and significance of alpha2-globulin is discussed.