Long-term study of serum glycosyl-transferase levels in pregnant women and their newborn infants

Int J Biochem. 1988;20(9):997-1000. doi: 10.1016/0020-711x(88)90187-5.

Abstract

1. The authors have studied changes of glucosyl-, galactosyl- and sialyl-transferase activities in the sera of women during pregnancy and the early post-partum period, and in neonates from birth to 1 yr of age. 2. Galactosyl- and glucosyl-transferase activities throughout pregnancy were high in comparison to control values, and increased with advancing gestation. In the early post-partum period, the activities of these enzymes decreased markedly, reaching values similar to those of control subjects. 3. There were no variations, however, in serum sialyl-transferase activity at any stage of pregnancy or the post-partum period. In newborn infants, serum glucosyl- and sialyl-transferase activities were identical to control values. 4. Galactosyl-transferase activity was high at birth, decreased progressively and returned to the normal range only after 1 yr. 5. The physiological significance of these glycosyl-transferases in the sera of pregnant women and newborn infants is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Galactosyltransferases / blood*
  • Glucosyltransferases / blood*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn / blood*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy / blood*

Substances

  • Galactosyltransferases
  • Glucosyltransferases