Abstract: The present invention relates to amniotic fluid specific polypeptide and a method for detecting rupture of the amniotic membranes. In particular the invention provides a marker for prolonged rupture of the membranes (PROM), which marker consists essentially of polypeptides of approximately 75 kDa, 20 kDa and 50 kDa as determined by 4-15% gradient SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marker for the development of pre-eclampsia. In particular the invention provides a marker for the development of pre-eclampsia, which marker consists of a polypeptide of approximately 26.6 Kd as determined by 15-30% gradient SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amniotic fluid specific polypeptide and a method for detecting rupture of the amniotic membranes. In particular the invention provides a marker for prolonged rupture of the membranes (PROM), which marker consists essentially of polypeptides of approximately 75 kDa, 20 kDa and 50 kDa as determined by 4-15% gradient SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method of detecting rupture of the amniotic membranes in pregnant mammals including humans using an immunoassay and reagents useful in such an assay. The method describes how to prepare a suitable protein antigen from amniotic fluid, gives criteria for the selection of this protein from the mixture of proteins present in amniotic fluid using the techniques of protein purification, gives criteria for assessing a sufficient degree of antigen purity for raising antibodies to the antigen and shows how the resultant antibodies can be used in immunoassays to detect the presence of amniotic fluid in the vagina and consequently to detect rupture of the amniotic membranes. The method also relates to the detection of amniotic fluid in other situations.

Abstract: Assay for detection of a form of diamine oxidase which is present only in amniotic fluid and, more especially, for detection of amniotic membrane rupture by detection of the amniotic fluid diamine oxidase. The assay includes the steps of detecting the amniotic fluid diamine oxidase and distinguishing that from another form of diamine oxidase found in serum. The assay may be carried out on a sample of vaginal fluid from a pregnant female wherein the sample is subjected to the assay to detect the leakage or presence of amniotic fluid diamine oxidase. Purified forms of amniotic fluid diamine oxidase and serum diamine oxidase which is different from amniotic fluid diamine oxidase and found in serum are also described, together with a method of purifying both forms of diamine oxidase.