IgG and IgA content of vaginal fluid during the menstrual cycle
Usala, S.J.; Usala, F.O.; Haciski, R.; Holt, J.A.; Schumacher, G.F.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 34(4): 292-294
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 2715991 Document Number: 346780
The IgG and IgA content of vaginal fluid obtained was determined by daily sampling with the Ovu-Trac vaginal pipet. In addition to vaginal fluid sample volume plots, serum luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels were obtained. IgG and IgA measurements in vaginal fluid throughout the menstrual cycle are reported. A total of 12 cycles from 12 women were studied. In all 12 cycles a significant luteinizing hormone peak was observed. The progesterone levels reached significantly high levels in the 12 cycles, indicating that ovulation presumably had occurred. A peak in vaginal fluid sample volume occurred typically near the luteinizing hormone peak. The IgG and IgA concentrations of the vaginal fluid samples from the 12 cycles were determined. The IgG levels were less than 1-270 mg/dL. There was much fluctuation in vaginal fluid IgG levels throughout the cycle, but a general pattern did emerge. Vaginal fluid IgG levels were relatively high in the postmenstrual/early proliferative phase, with a steady decline to relatively low levels throughout the luteal phase. There was no direct correspondence between the volume of vaginal fluid and the IgG concentration, as seen from a comparison of the average vaginal fluid IgG concentration with the average vaginal fluid sample volume. Vaginal fluid with a low sample volume in the early preovulatory phase had relatively high levels of IgG, whereas that with a low sample volume in the luteal phase had relatively low levels of IgG. IgA in vaginal fluid was present at levels 10-fold less than those of IgG. The IgA concentrations of many of the vaginal fluid samples were near the assay's lower limit of sensitivity, making it difficult to reach any conclusions about cyclic changes. The lowest vaginal fluid IgA concentrations were observed around the middle of the luteal phase.