Sialyltransferase: regulation of α-foetoprotein microheterogeneity during development (Short Communication)

The temporal accumulation of the electrophoretic components of mouse α-foetoprotein in foetal plasma and amniotic fluid is reported. To explain the progressive appearance of the sialylated α-foetoproteins, the activity of sialyltransferase in foetal liver and yolk sac was measured. These results indicate that the increase in sialyltransferase activity in these tissues is responsible for the increased sialylation of α-foetoprotein.