Maternal serum vascular cell adhesion molecule concentration during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

Vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), a transmembrane glycoprotein known primarily as a mediator of white blood cell adhesion and extravasation from the intravascular space, is synthesized by vascular endothelial cells, macrophages, epithelial cells, and placental trophoblasts. Vascular cell adhesion molecule has also been identified as an angiogenic agent, and it appears to play an important role in early placental development. The expression of VCAM-1 is stimulated by cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, and interferon gamma, as well as by oxidatively modified lipoproteins. Our objective was to determine the concentration of soluble VCAM-1 normally present throughout gestation.

METHODS

Maternal serum soluble VCAM-1 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in healthy pregnant women.

RESULTS

In 78 patients, soluble VCAM concentrations ranged from 128.02 to 728.6 ng/mL between 5 and 39 weeks of gestation. Maternal soluble VCAM concentrations showed a negative correlation with gestational age. The mean concentration (+/-standard deviation) was significantly higher before 20 weeks (406.76 +/- 134.41 ng/mL) than at or after 20 weeks (346.04 +/- 111.20 ng/mL).

CONCLUSION

These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that VCAM-1 may play an important role in the normal process of placentation during early pregnancy.