THE PHOSPHORYLATION PATTERN OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-BINDING PROTEIN-1 IN NORMAL PLASMA IS DIFFERENT FROM THAT IN AMNIOTIC-FLUID AND CHANGES DURING PREGNANCY

We have determined the phosphorylation pattern of circulating insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) in normal subjects and assessed how this changes in pregnancy. Two RIAs employing different monoclonal antibodies (MAbs 6303 or 6305) were used to measure IGFBP-1. In normal subjects, RIA 6303 measured ii-fold higher levels than RIA 6305 (72.8 vs. 6.6 mu g/L; P < 0.008). However, in amniotic fluid (AF), the two assays gave similar results. Immunoprecipitation of plasma and AF with MAb 6303 and 6305 before nonsodium dodecyl sulfate-electrophoresis and Western ligand blotting revealed different IGFBP-1 isoforms and differential antibody recognition as the cause of this discrepancy. In AF, both MAbs precipitated nonphosphorylated and phosphorylated isoforms, whereas in plasma, only a single highly phosphorylated species, not seen in AF, was observed. This form of IGFBP-1 was precipitated by MAb 6303 only. During pregnancy, the phosphorylation state of IGFBP-1 in the maternal circulation was altered, as nonphosphorylated IGFBP-1 and three lesser phosphoforms were also observed. The appearance of these other variants resulted in a significant increase in IGFBP-1 measured by RIA 6305 (37, 51, and 83 mu g/L in first, second, and third trimesters, respectively; P < 0.0005 vs. controls). The changes in IGFBP-1 phosphorylation induced by pregnancy may influence the modulatory effects of IGFBP-1 on IGF bioavailability and, hence, fetal growth.