CONCENTRATIONS OF VITAMIN-A AND VITAMIN-E IN AMNIOTIC-FLUID, EXTRAEMBRYONIC CELOMIC FLUID, AND MATERNAL SERUM IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY

Paired samples of amniotic fluid and coelomic fluid were obtained by t ransvaginal ultrasound guided amniocentesis from 15 women with an ultr asonographically normal pregnancy between 8 and 12 weeks' gestation. V itamins A and E were measured in the two pregnancy fluids and in mater nal serum by high performance liquid chromatography with detection by ultraviolet absorption and fluorimetry respectively. Concentrations of vitamins A and E were higher in maternal serum than in coelomic fluid and were generally undetectable in amniotic fluid. Ah differences in concentration were significant. The vitamin E/cholesterol ratio was si milar in maternal serum and coelomic fluid. No correlation was shown b etween the vitamin concentrations in the three fluids. These findings suggest that the coelomic cavity plays a part in the maternofetal exch ange of these vitamins.