Immunochemical characterization and quantification of the sex steroid-binding protein (SBP) in human amniotic fluid.
The sex steroid-binding protein (SBP) is a plasma protein whose concentration in the maternal circulation increases during pregnancy. Using monospecific antibodies raised against human SBP, we could demonstrate the antigenic identity of the protein in human amniotic fluid. In this fluid, we found that the SBP concentration was correlated with the total protein concentration throughout gestation. The concentration gradient of SBP between maternal serum and amniotic fluid was compared to that of other serum proteins, in relation to their relative molecular mass, and it was concluded that SBP enters amniotic fluid in a non-specific manner similar to that of other serum proteins. It is suggested that SBP could act to sequester the sex steroid hormones in amniotic fluid.