FETAL HEPATIC ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN MESSENGER-RNA EXPRESSION IN FETUSES WITH TRISOMY-21 AND TRISOMY-18 AT 12-15 WEEKS GESTATION

In this study we examined alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA expression in f etal liver at 12-15 weeks of gestation in trisomy 21 (n = 13), trisomy 18 (n = 5) and control fetuses (n = 24). No significant difference wa s found in the steady-state level of fetal liver AFP mRNA levels in ei ther of the two trisomy groups studied. These findings suggest that th e decrease in maternal serum AFP concentration found in trisomic pregn ancies is unlikely to be the consequence of impaired transcription of the AFP gene by the fetal liver.