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Immunosuppression by seminal prostaglandins
A J Quayle1, R W Kelly, T B Hargreave
1Department of Surgery, Edinburgh University Medical School, UK.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Seminal prostaglandins, particularly PGE2 and 19-OH PGE1, significantly suppress immune cell functions like lymphocyte proliferation and NK-cell activity. Their removal drastically reduces this immunosuppressive effect.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Human seminal plasma possesses immunosuppressive properties.
- Seminal prostaglandins are suspected contributors to this immune suppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the role of seminal prostaglandins in the immunosuppressive effects of human seminal plasma.
- To investigate the impact of specific prostaglandins on immune cell functions.
Main Methods:
- Reverse phase and ion-exchange chromatography to isolate seminal plasma fractions.
- Assays for PHA-induced lymphocyte proliferation and NK-cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
- Use of purified prostaglandins (PGE2, 19-OH PGE1, 19-OH PGF1) for testing.
Main Results:
- E series prostaglandins, especially PGE2 and 19-OH PGE1, significantly inhibited lymphocyte proliferation and NK-cell activity.
- Removal of prostaglandins from seminal plasma reduced its immunosuppressive activity.
- Prostaglandins complexed with seminal proteins also exhibited immunosuppressive properties.
Conclusions:
- Seminal prostaglandins are key mediators of the immunosuppressive properties of human seminal plasma.
- These findings have implications for understanding immune responses in the context of sexual transmission.
- Further research is warranted on the interaction of prostaglandins with seminal proteins.