On the physiological significance of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the human amniotic fluid.

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha and Interleukin (IL)-1 beta levels have been measured in 16 weeks gestation amniotic fluids and mother's sera. Detectable levels of TNF-alpha were found in amniotic fluids, while IL-1 beta was absent. No cytokines were detected in mother's sera.