Increased IgA levels in saliva during pregnancy.
The level of IgA in saliva of pregnant and non-pregnant women was measured. Stimulated whole saliva was collected from pregnant women. Also included was a group of menstruating women from whom saliva was collected in springtime as well as in autumn in each phase of the menstrual cycle. There was a marked increase in the IgA level in saliva of the pregnant women. The IgA level was especially high during late pregnancy and postpartum. No significant differences in IgA were found between the three phases of the menstrual cycle.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000032:analysis*; D007163:Immunosorbent Techniques; D008598:Menstruation; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology*; D012621:Seasons
D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory