Immunoglobulins in human cervico-vaginal secretions

The concentration of IgG, IgA and IgM has been measured in the cervico-vaginal secretions of 8 women with a normal menstrual cycle, 52 pregnant women, 6 post-menopausal women and 12 women with total hysterectomy. No significant difference in immunoglobulin levels was found in the cervico-vaginal secretions of women with a normal cycle as compared to those of post-menopausal or pregnant women. A significant decrease of the IgG/IgA ratio was noticed during ovulation as a consequence of increased IgA secretion. In patients with hysterectomy, the secretions are of vaginal origin only and contain negligible quantities of IgA. Secretory IgA is found essentially in the superior genital tract. IgM is present in trace amounts in all secretions and does not vary considerably. The secretion of immunoglobulins may be under hormonal control: in addition to ovarian hormones, corticosteroids seem also to be involved. The local application of a fluorinated corticosteroid into the vagina has produced a significant decrease of secretory IgA production. The therapeutic possibilities of administering a fluorinated corticosteroid in cases of sterility which are due to the production of anti-spermatozoal antibodies are discussed.