Quantitation of albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein in human cervical mucus.
1. Concentrations of albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) in human cervical mucus have been measured by a radial immunodiffusion technique. 2. The cervical mucus samples were obtained from women on combined oral contraceptives (Group A) and from women not taking this medication (Group B). In group A the mean level of albumin was 75.6 (range 22-198) mg l-1 and for AGP 6.5 (range 3-12) mg l-1. In group B the mean level of albumin was 72.9 (range 22-148) mg l-1 and for AGP 6.6 (range 3-14) mg l-1. 3. The levels of albumin and AGP in cervical mucus were less than 1% of the concentration in serum and were not affected by combined oral contraceptives. 4. The clinical and toxicological consequences of these observations, in terms of the disposition of drugs and other chemicals in the female genital tract, await elucidation.
Clinical Pharmacology Department, Saint Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK.
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Salas Herrera
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Pearson
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Turner
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000418:Albumins / Q000032:analysis*; D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000737:chemistry*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009961:Orosomucoid / Q000032:analysis*
D000418:Albumins; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D009961:Orosomucoid