AMNIOTIC FLUID PHOSPHOLIPID PATTERNS IN NORMAL AND ABNORMAL PREGNANCIES

Normal human amniotic fluid samples have been quantitated for total lipid, total phospholipid, and individual phospholipid components (lysolecithin, sphingomyelin, lecithin, phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, and a solvent front). Amniotic fluid contains about 60 mg. per cent total lipid and 15 mg. per cent total phospholipid with the most abundant phospholipid present being lecithin. Amniotic fluid from several abnormal pregnancies (prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, hyaline membrane disease, anencephaly with polyhydramnios) tended to show low total lipid, low total phospholipid, and a decreased percentage of lecithin in the phospholipid fraction. The possible contribution of fetal alveolar fluid to amniotic fluid is discussed. A comparison of the phospholipid patterns of human and lamb amniotic fluid is made. © 1969.