Free Amino-acid Concentrations in Fetal Fluids. Issue 5725 (26th September 1970)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cockburn, F.; Robins, S. P.; Forfar, J. O.
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 3:Issue 5725(1970)
• Page Start: 747
• Page End: 750
• Publication Date: 1970-09-26
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.3.5725.747
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : The pattern of free amino-acid concentrations in maternal venous plasma, fetal umbilical arterial plasma, fetal urine, and amniotic fluid at 15 to 20 weeks' gestation has been determined. Free amino-acid concentrations were greater in fetal plasma than in maternal plasma, amniotic fluid, or fetal urine. The ratios of amino-acid concentrations in fetal umbilical arterial plasma and urine indicate that the fetal kidney can effectively conserve amino-acids, possibly reaching an adult level of competence in this respect. There was little correlation between amino-acid concentrations in the fluids analysed with the exception of that between amniotic fluid and fetal urine.