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

Serum -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 pgml during the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively). These data will aid in further understanding the role of NGF during pregnancy.