Cyclic changes of cervical mucus enzymes related to the time of ovulation II. Amino peptidase and esterase
Moghissi, K.S.; Syner, F.N.; Borin, B.
Obstetrics and Gynecology 48(3): 347-350
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-7844 PMID: 948379 Document Number: 106262
Changes in the cervical mucus content of the enzymes amino peptidase and esterase were determined over the menstrual cycle in 5 normal ovulatory women. The time of ovulation was estimated by recording basal body temperature and radioimmunoassay of serum luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone and estradiol. Immediately prior to the midcycle surge of LH, both enzymes showed decreased activity, with the decrease in esterase activity being statistically significant (p less than .008). After ovulation, both enzymes showed increased activity. It remains to determine whether these enzymes play a role in the interaction between sperm and cervical mucus.