alpha fetoprotein
al·pha fe·to·pro·tein (alґfə fe″to-proґtēn) a plasma protein produced by the fetal liver, yolk sac, and gastrointestinal tract; serum levels decline markedly by the age of one year but are again elevated in many hepatocellular carcinomas and teratocarcinomas and embryonal cell carcinomas; elevated levels may also be seen in benign liver disease, such as cirrhosis and viral hepatitis. Used in monitoring the response of hepatomas and germ cell neoplasms to treatment and in antenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects (indicated by elevated amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein levels).
Medical dictionary.
2011.