Serum β-nerve growth factor concentrations in pregnant female, nonpregnant female, and male cynomolgus monkeys

Serum beta-nerve growth factor (NGF) concentrations were determined in pregnant female, nonpregnant female, and male cynomolgus monkeys using a highly selective and sensitive immunoaffinity liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. NGF was significantly higher in pregnant monkeys than in nonpregnant female and male monkeys. NGF increased over pregnancy ( mean NGF +/- SD: 541 +/- 448, 1590 +/- 520, and 3560 +/- 1430 pg/ml during the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively). These data will aid in further understanding the role of NGF during pregnancy. (C) 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.