Intrapartum levels of endogenous glutamate antagonist-kynurenic acid in amniotic fluid, umbilical and maternal blood

Abstract

Our study provides basis for future analyses of endogenous glutamate antagonist kynurenic acid metabolism in the feto-placental unit. The concentration of kynurenic acid was found to be higher in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood than in respective maternal blood, as revealed in 32 mother-neonate pairs. Kynurenic acid level in amniotic fluid correlated positively with its concentration in umbilical cord blood but not in maternal blood. Kynurenic acid levels in umbilical cord blood and in maternal blood correlated positively with placental weight and relative placental weight.