alphafetoprotein


alphafetoprotein

A protein synthesized in the fetal liver and intestine and present in fetal blood and in the uterine fluid. Raised levels may indicate that the fetus has SPINA BIFIDA or ANENCEPHALY and further investigation becomes urgent. Alphafetoprotein is also produced by certain malignant tumours and its estimation is sometimes used as a marker for the diagnosis of these tumours or their recurrence.