DOI: 10.1093/jnci/51.2.699 ISSN: 1460-2105
Alpha-Fetoprotein: Serum Levels in Pregnant Rats
Stewart SellSummary
The serum alpha-fetoprotein (α1F) concentrations of pregnant rats before and after delivery were quantitated by radioimmunoassay. An abrupt elevation occurred between 10 and 14 days of gestation, corresponding to the time of morphogenesis of the fetal liver. The concentrations decreased rapidly after delivery. The results are consistent with α1F production in the fetus and not in maternal organs, with a rapid feto-maternal placental transfer.