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Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
Published on: July 6, 2014
Flowing differently: exploratory characterization of menstrual effluent compared with peripheral blood
Rachel Michel1, Ariadne Sinnis-Bourozikas2, Valentina Vanos1
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
F&S Science
|June 18, 2026
Summary
Menstrual fluid has a unique immune cell and hormone profile compared to blood, showing signs of inflammation and tissue repair. This study provides a baseline understanding of menstrual effluent characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Gynecological research
- Cellular immunology
Background:
- Menstrual effluent is a complex biological fluid.
- Its immune and hormonal composition is not well understood.
- Comparison with peripheral blood is needed to establish normative profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the immune cell and hormonal profile of menstrual effluent.
- To compare these profiles with paired peripheral blood samples.
- To understand the immunological and hormonal distinctiveness of menstrual effluent.
Main Methods:
- Collected menstrual effluent and peripheral blood from healthy participants.
- Quantified steroid hormones using immunoassays.
- Assessed immune cell populations via multiparameter flow cytometry.
- Measured cytokines and chemokines using multiplex assays.
Main Results:
- Menstrual effluent showed lower progesterone and cortisol levels than peripheral blood.
- Distinct immune cell populations were observed, including increased dendritic cells, neutrophils, NK cells, and memory CD8+ T cells.
- Reduced regulatory T cells, NKT cells, and B cell subsets were noted in menstrual effluent.
- Elevated cytokine levels were detected in menstrual effluent.
Conclusions:
- Menstrual effluent is immunologically and hormonally distinct from peripheral blood.
- These differences may indicate inflammatory and tissue-repair processes.
- Provides a normative baseline for menstrual effluent research.
