GRAVIDIN: ASSAYS, DNA FRAGMENTS OR GENES AND USES THEREOF

摘要

Gravidin is a protein described as: inhibiting biosynthesis of arachidonic acid (acting on phospholipase A2), occurring in amniotic fluid, blood and particularly pre-term chorionic tissues, having an MW = 80 Kilodaltons and a pI of 8.6, having an N-terminal sequence of K-S-P-I-F-G-P-E-E-V and being homologous to Secretory Component. Discovery of the role of gravidin in pregnancy has led to: bioassays and immunoassays for serum gravidin, providing an improved method for predicting pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) in humans and animals. Excess gravidin appears to raise synthesis rates of the vasoconstrictor thromboxane A2 while lowering the vasodilator prostacyclin (PGII2). Methods for making assay reagents and pharmaceuticals, such as purified gravidin (or biologically active fragments of gravidin) and anti-gravidin antibodies have been developed. Gravidin may be harvested from tissue, milk, or other fluids, or manufactured by biotechnology after gene manipulation. Medical treatment with fragments or complete molecules of gravidin, or antagonists of gravidin includes anti-inflammatory actions, anti-PIH actions, and the prevention and treatment of cancer are provided.