Dahl L B, Dahl I M, Børresen A L
Biochem Med Metab Biol. 1986 Apr;35(2):219-26. doi: 10.1016/0885-4505(86)90077-0.
The molecular weight of sodium hyaluronate in human amniotic fluid was determined by gel chromatography. Pooled samples from 16 weeks of gestation exhibited a broad molecular weight distribution (Mw = 3 X 10(5); Mn = 6 X 10(4)). Samples taken at 40 weeks showed a low molecular weight fraction (M less than 10(5) presumably of fetal origin, and a high molecular weight fraction (M greater than 10(6) which varied considerably, indicating a nonfetal origin. No hyaluronate degrading activity was detected in the fluid. In a case of renal dysplasia, only minute amounts of hyaluronate were found. These findings are in accordance with a renal excretion of a low molecular weight hyaluronate from the fetus. In 12 cases with proven neural tube defects, there was no significant difference in hyaluronate level and molecular weight compared to normal controls.
