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Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
 
Definition:
Biology Glossary search by EverythingBio.com
 
     
  A substance produced by the fetus that is found in fetal serum, amniotic fluid, and the mother's bloodstream. Elevated levels of AFP may indicate that the baby has a neural tube defect such as spina bifida (incomplete closure of the spinal column) which can lead to paralysis of the lower limbs, repeated urinary tract infections, mental retardation or hydrocephalus ("water on the brain"). It is also a useful nonspecific tumor-associated antigen (tumor marker).  
     


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