Absence of alpha-fetoprotein in the fluid of a hydatidiform mole
Beyth, Y.; Alon, J.; Ron, M.; Cohen, T.
Israel Journal of Medical Sciences 14(3): 396-397
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-2180 PMID: 76620 Document Number: 128347
Macroscopic and microscopic examinations revealed a hydatidiform mole. No AFP [.alpha.-fetoprotein] was observed in the fluid aspirated from the mole and tested by electroimmunoassay according to the method of Laurell. This method is sufficiently sensitive to detect amounts of AFP up to 1 .mu.g/ml. Pregnant women have consistently elevated AFP serum levels. Seven patients with hydatidiform mole were described, 6 with normal and 1 with elevated levels of AFP. In vitro synthesis of AFP was observed in tissue cultures of normal human placenta in 2 of the 7 cases tested. It is not clear whether trophoblasts can produce AFP. The present case is the 1st in which the AFP level was tested in fluid directly aspirated from a hydatidiform mole. The absence of AFP in this fluid suggests that the mole tissue is incapable of synthesizing AFP, providing an adequate explanation for nonelevated material serum AFP levels in cases of hydatidiform mole.