Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 protein is present in maternal blood in the third trimester and is upregulated by antenatal corticosteroids.

OBJECTIVES: Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) is involved in the production of fetal lung surfactant. We have shown that LPCAT1 mRNA is present in amniotic fluid and maternal plasma and that its quantity correlates with the amniotic fluid lamellar body count. The purpose of the present study was to assay maternal plasma for the LPCAT1 protein in term and preterm pregnancies; and to measure the impact of antenatal corticosteroids. METHODS: Maternal and newborn plasma samples were obtained from 7 women admitted to the hospital for induction of labor. Maternal plasma was also obtained before administration of corticosteroids and 24 h after the second dose of corticosteroids from 12 women with premature labor and premature rupture of membranes. After sample preparation, LPCAT1 protein levels were determined using sandwich ELISA. RESULTS: We discovered LPCAT1 protein in maternal plasma in measurable quantities after 32 weeks gestation. Further, there was a rise of maternal plasma LPCAT1 in response to the clinical administration of antenatal corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitation of maternal plasma LPCAT1 protein offers promise in the ongoing study of fetal lung maturation.