DIAMINE OXIDASE AND ASSAY FOR RUPTURE OF AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE IN PREGNANT MAMMALS

摘要

This invention relates to an assay for detection of a form of diamine oxidase which has now been discovered to be present only in amniotic fluid and more especially to detection of amniotic membrane rupture by detection of the amniotic fluid diamine oxidase. The assay for amniotic membrane rupture not only includes the step of detection of the amniotic fluid diamine oxidase but also in distinguishing same from another form of diamine oxidase found in serum. This 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. The invention also relates to purified forms of amniotic fluid diamine oxidase and serum diamine oxidase which is different to amniotic fluid diamine oxidase and found in serum. The invention also includes a method of purification of both forms of diamine oxidase.