This monograph represents the first comprehensive review of hormones in
human amniotic fluid and includes data published up to and including
1980. Recently, more extensive use of amniocentesis for prenatal
diagnosis and evaluation of fetal lung maturation has shown that
amniotic fluid hormone measurements can aid in the diagnosis of fetal
and placental abnormalities. The material is presented in two main
sections dealing with steroid and protein hormones. The methods of
identification and quantitation are delineated, and the findings are
discussed in relation to the clinical conditions. In addition,
particular attention has been directed towards up-to-date review of the
sources, metabolism and transfer of human amniotic fluid hormones. The
review is intended to serve the needs of clinicians, basic scientists
and students, providing detailed information on human amniotic fluid
hormones in order to improve patient care and indicate possibilities for
further investigations. Ttibingen, January 1982 A.E. Schindler Contents
Introduction A. 1 Origin of Human Amniotic Fluid . 2 B. C. Origin and
Regulation of Steroids in Human Amniotic Fluid . 5 D. Methods of
Isolation and Identification of Steroids in Human Amniotic Fluid 6 I. C,
C, and C Steroids . 6 30 29 28 II. C Steroids 6 27 1. Cholesterol 6 2.
Cholestanol . 6 3.: : l7 -Cholestenol and: : l8 -Cholestenol. 6 4.
7-Dehydrocholesterol and Desmosterol . 6: : l5_C Steroids. III. 7 21 1.
Pregnenolone 7 2. 16cx-H ydroxypregnenolone. 7 3.
17cx-Hydroxypregnenolone.