Abstract

Amniotic fluid is a dynamic complex mixture that carries components contributing to the regulation of fetal development. The present study aimed to measure the levels of trace elements, such as Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg, Se, and Mn in amniotic fluid, maternal serum, and venous umbilical cord serum at delivery. The study further investigated the relationships among levels of elements in amniotic fluid (AF), maternal serum (MS), and venous umbilical cord serum (VUCS) in order to assess the possibility of monitoring abnormal fetal growth. Blood samples were obtained from 30 pregnant female camels at delivery and the corresponding VUCS and AF were examined. The Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg, Se, and Mn were analyzed on the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Concentrations of trace elements, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg, Se, and Mn in VUCS were significantly higher, compared to MS or AF. The trace elements, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg, Se, and Mn were present in significantly lower concentrations of AF than in MS or VUCS. Neonatal birth weight did not correlate with MS levels of the trace elements. However, neonatal weight correlated positively with venous cord serum Fe, Se, and Zn levels. There was a scarcity of correlation between maternal and fetus trace elements in the pregnant camels. In conclusion, AF could even be the result of simple filtration of maternal blood. Evaluation of selected trace element levels in MS did not appear to be useful within the assessment of fetus growth. The findings of this study indicated an active transport for Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg, Se, and Mn between pregnant camels and fetus.