ISSN:
1432-1203
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Placental alkaline phosphatase (Pl) polymorphism is due to the occurrence of three common alleles and more than fifteen rare ones at an autosomal locus. The high number and frequency (about 2%) of rare Pl alleles represent a very special case among polymorphic enzymes. Since the Pl gene is also special in that it is active only during intrauterine life, the allelic diversity and its maintenance may be connected with intrauterine environment and with fetal development. This study embraced 502 consecutive newborn infants from the white population of European descent of New Haven (Connecticut). Analysis of the relationship between rare Pl phenotypes and the following variables was carried out: gestational length, birth weight, maternal age, birth order, sex, fetal and maternal AB0 and Rh phenotypes, feto-maternal AB0 and Rh compatibility status, and previous spontaneous abortions. The results indicate a negative association of Pl rate types with the 0 phenotype in the mother and with male sex of the infant. The present data suggest that interactions with sex and with the AB0 system during intrauterine life may contribute to the maintenance of allelic, diversity in Pl system.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00279057
Permalink