Basic levels of the immuno suppressive serum protein PZ in women-influence of age, parity, gonadotrophins and estrogens.

The basic levels of the pregnancy zone protein (PZ) were measured by a radio-immunoassay, in 270 women of various age. All women were apparently healthy taking no drugs. Values were correlated to age, parity, gonadotrophins and estrogens. A significant age dependent increase was found for PZ while no influence could be attributed to the other factors studied. The present results emphasize that the age dependent variation of PZ concentration should be considered when clinical data of this protein are evaluated.