Abstract: A method for diagnosing pregnancy-related complications in a pregnant woman is provided. The method includes the following steps: (a) determining the level of Placental Protein 17 (PP17) in a bodily substance obtained from the pregnant woman; and (b) comparing the determined level of PP17 to a standard level of PP17, a significant modification in the level of PP17 indicating the existence of a pregnancy-related complication in the pregnant woman. A diagnostic kit is also described.

Abstract: A method of monitoring tocolytic therapy in a pregnant woman. The method comprises determining a first concentration of placental protein 13 (PP13) in a bodily substance of a woman who has not received treatment with a tocolytic agent, determining a second concentration of PP13 in a bodily substance of the pregnant woman after initiation of treatment with a tocolytic agent, and comparing the second concentration with the first concentration. Based on the comparison, it may be determined whether to continue, discontinue, or modify the tocolytic treatment.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing pregnancy-related complications in a pregnant woman is provided. The method includes (a) providing a membrane phospholipid suspension; (b) exposing a first portion of the suspension to standard PP13; (c) exposing a second portion of the suspension to PP13 obtained from the woman; (d) measuring the production of prostaglandins in (b) and (c); and (e) comparing the amounts of prostaglandins produced in (b) and (c), a change in the amount of prostaglandins of (c) as compared to the amount of prostaglandins in (b) indicating the existence of a pregnancy-related complication in the woman.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing pregnancy-related complications in a pregnant woman. The method comprises (a) providing PP13-responding cells having a membrane; (b) exposing the cells to standard PP13; (c) exposing PP13-responding cells to PP13 obtained from the woman, and (d) determining the existence of a modification in the permeability of the cell membrane in (b) and in (c) as a result of exposure to PP13. The modification in permeability in (b) and (c) is then compared, a change in the permeability of (c) as compared to the permeability in (b) indicating the existence of a pregnancy complication in the woman.

Abstract: A method of monitoring tocolytic therapy in a pregnant woman. The method comprises determining a first concentration of placental protein 13 (PP13) in a bodily substance of a woman who has not received treatment with a tocolytic agent, determining a second concentration of PP13 in a bodily substance of the pregnant woman after initiation of treatment with a tocolytic agent, and comparing the second concentration with the first concentration. Based on the comparison, it may be determined whether to continue, discontinue, or modify the tocolytic treatment.

Abstract: The full amino acid and DNA sequences of placental protein 13 (PP13) are disclosed. Also described are various PP13 derived peptide fragments, and a recombinant method for the production of PP13. PP13 may be used in a screening and a diagnostic method for pregnancy-related complications.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody (Mab) capable of binding Placental Protein 13 (pp-13) is disclosed. Also disclosed are hybridoma clone producing the Mab, an immunoassay using the Mab for measuring the level of PP-13 in a biological fluid, and a kit for measuring the level of PP-13 in a biological fluid.

Abstract: The full amino acid and DNA sequences of placental protein 13 (PP13) are disclosed. Also described are various PP13 derived peptide fragments, and a recombinant method for the production of PP13. PP13 may be used in a screening and a diagnostic method for pregnancy-related complications.

Abstract: The full amino acid and DNA sequences of placental protein 13 (PP13) are disclosed. Also described are various PP13 derived peptide fragments, and a recombinant method for the production of PP13. PP13 may be used in a screening and a diagnostic method for pregnancy-related complications.