Neonatal Immunity. II. Poliocidal Effects of Human Amniotic Fluids.

Abstract

Amniotic fluid of humans at birth has been demonstrated to contain poliocidal substance, active against all 3 serotypes of virus. Evidence has been presented which indicates that the activity is associated with the gamma globulin present in the amniotic fluid. The poliocidal activity is believed to be specific antibody. The presence of these antibodies has no correlation as far as can be determined with the age, color, polio immunization status of the mother nor with her previous obstetrical history. The level of antibody in the amniotic fluid tor the 3 polio-viruses was in proportion to the levels in the blood serum and in general was demonstrable when the serum level was high. There is also in amniotic fluid an inhibitor to the 3 polioviruses which is heat labile. Its character has not been determined. Enterobacterial hemagglutinins have been demonstrated in 1 of 6 fluids tested.