Polyamine conjugates and total polyamine concentrations in human amniotic fluid.

A study of the quantitative profile of polyamines in amniotic fluid from the 13th through the 40th week of gestation was undertaken. These experimental observations indicate the absence of free putrescine, spermidine and spermine throughout gestation. Quantities of acid-liberated putrescine, spermidine and spermine are highest in late first and late third trimester. Putrescine is associated with peptide or peptides of molecular weight 1000 to 10 000 throughout gestation. Spermidine is found in amniotic fluid covalently conjugated to peptide or peptides with molecular weight 10 000 to 30 000. Spermine appears to exist in amniotic fluid, both in the higher molecular weight fraction (1000 to 10 000) and as acetylated derivatives. The existance of polyamine conjugates is compatible with an in vivo function in the regulation of embryonic growth and development. Abnormalities in polymines conjugated to peptides or their concentration may be useful in the diagnosis of fetal maldevelopment.