The effect of low dose oral contraceptives on the initial immune response to infection

The use of oral contraceptives have been shown to produce alterations in the normal physiology of many organ systems. However, little is known as to the effect of oral contraceptives on the immune response. The current study was undertaken to determine if women on low dose oral contraceptives show alterations in their initial immune response. An in vitro assay stimulating human peripheral lymphocytes was used. No differences were found in the proliferative immune response of B- or T-cells in women taking low dose oral contraceptives as compared to controls. This study suggests that the initial immune response of lymphocytes in patients on low dose oral contraceptives remains intact.