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The discovery of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in fetal serum was first recorded
by Bergstrand and Czar in 1956.1 Alpha-fetoprotein is a single polypeptide
chain glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 70,000 daltons.
The physicochemical properties and amino acid composition are similar to
those of albumin.2,3 Synthesis of AFP occurs primarily in the liver and yolk
sac of the fetus. It is secreted into fetal serum, reaching a peak at about
13 weeks gestation and gradually declining thereafter. Elevated serum AFP
levels subsequently reappear during pregnancy and in conjunction with
seve
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