Serum concentrations of soluble Fas antigen and soluble Fas ligand in mother and newborn

We measured soluble Fas antigen and soluble Fas ligand, which are considered to be an apoptotic substance, in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum and amniotic fluid during cesarean section at full term pregnancy. Seventeen healthy parturients with no fetal distress were studied. Soluble Fas antigen showed no different levels between these measurement sites. Soluble Fas ligand showed a difference, in which umbilical serum level was significantly higher than maternal serum and amniotic fluid levels, The present results suggest high serum levels of soluble Fas ligand in newborn, However, the reason for this evidence is entirely unknown.