The presence of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in human fetal membranes and alterations in enzyme activity during the gestational period were studied. Fetal membranes from term deliveries exhibited a high enzymatic activity, whereas membranes from preterm deliveries showed alterations with regard to the gestational weeks. These alterations were found to be similar to those which had previously been obtained from rat placentae during fetal growth and development.

Low levels of blood ascorbate in pregnant women had been thought to have a role in incidence of premature rupture of membranes (PROM). In this study, maternal and fetal blood levels of ascorbate were surveyed in term and preterm labor. Each group was subdivided according to the presence of PROM. Placental ascorbate levels were also studied. Since ascorbate is known to be involved in the synthesis of collagen, hydroxyproline content of the amnion was also measured and taken as an index for collagen production. Amnionic membranes from births with PROM showed relatively low levels of hydroxyproline.Preterm newborns with PROM also exhibited a significantly low ascorbate concentration as compared with preterm controls. In conclusion, ascorbate in the fetal compartment appears to be important for the occurrence of PROM.

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In the present study, rats were administered acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), at low and high doses, by means of a gastric tube for 30 days. Chronic administration of a high dose of ASA (200 mg/kg body weight) resulted in a significant increase in liver plasma membrane γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity, cholesterol, and phospholipid levels. The enzymatic activity and lipid levels appeared not to be affected by ASA when given at a lower dose (50 mg/kg body weight). The changes in the enzymatic activity of plasma membrane were positively correlated to membrane cholesterol content. These findings suggest that the hepatotoxicity of high doses of ASA should not be overlooked during clinical use of the drug.

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