title: Humoral immunity in oral contraceptive users. I. Plasma immunoglobulin levels.
abstract: The worldwide acceptance of steroid-based oral contraception makes it imperative that the effect of these agents on the immune system is understood. Nevertheless, information regarding the effect of steroid-based oral contraception on plasma immunoglobulin (Ig) levels is often conflicting. In this report immunoglobulin levels in the plasma of females taking steroid-based oral contraceptives are measured in a novel manner using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No significant alterations in the levels of IgG or IgM are reported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Bisset
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Griffin
mesh_terms: D000917:Antibody Formation; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood*; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M