EVALUATION OF A RAPID ENZYMATIC METHOD FOR DETERMINING PLACENTAL FUNCTION

A rapid enzymatic method for the diagnosis of fetal-placental disorders is described. Serum oxytocinase was assayed in 118 pregnant women by the chemical method of Tuppy and Nesvadba as modified by Babuna and Yenen: results were read not only after 20 min, but also after 60, 90, 120 min and 24 hours. Maximum colour intensity is reached at 60-90 min, i.e. later than stated by Babuna and Yenen (15-20 min), but earlier than reported by Tuppy and Nesvadba (3-4 hours). This indicates necessity of using fixed times of diazotization, of not shorter than 60 min. The most suitable time is 90 min. The time of enzymatic incubation as well as the time of diazotization can be shortened when only the differences in oxytocinase levels in the blood are of interest and blood samples obtained at different times are assayed simultaneously. © 1969.