Secretory IgA in cervical mucus
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Mucin Agarose Gel Electrophoresis: Western Blotting for High-molecular-weight Glycoproteins
Published on: June 14, 2016
J W McGrath1, V C Strasburger, A H Cushing
1Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque 87107.
Purpose:
Sexually active adolescent girls are uniquely vulnerable to sexually transmitted disease, including cervical cancer and AIDS. Little is known about the development of genital immunity in adolescents. Secretory IgA (sIgA) in cervical mucus is an important component of genital immunity. We studied sIgA levels in cervical mucus samples for both adolescent and adult females.
Methods:
Samples were collected in a university-based adolescent medicine clinic and a university student health center. Participants consisted of 13 sexually active adolescent girls and fourteen adult controls. Samples were collected in the course of routine pelvic exams. All subjects were at least two years post menarche. Mucus was aspirated directly from the cervical os. Diluted samples were liquefied with a proteolytic enzyme (bromelain). Secretory IgA levels were measured by radial immunodiffusion using IgA2 from pooled human plasma as a standard.
Results:
Secretory IgA levels for the adolescent group (mean 0.157 g/L SD 0.080) were slightly lower than for the adult group mean (0.199 g/L SD 0.130) although not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
Cervical sIgA levels were comparable between sexually active adolescents and adults.
Related Concept Videos
Antibody Structure
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
Insulin Secretory Vesicles
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Exocrine Glands: Types of Secretions
Serous glands produce watery secretions rich in digestive enzymes and proteins. The constituent cells of the serous gland have centrally located nuclei and eosinophilic secretory granules in the cytoplasm. The parotid gland is an example of a serous gland. It secretes saliva, which contains enzymes, such as lipases and...
Hormones Secreted by the Stomach
Each of these hormones secreted by different enteroendocrine cells plays a unique role in digestion. Here are a few examples:
Secretory Phase
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...

