Quantification of immunoglobulins and cytokines in human cervical mucus during each trimester of pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
Our aims were to determine immunoglobulin and cytokine levels in cervical mucus obtained from women during each trimester of pregnancy and to compare these levels with those reported in normally menstruating women and in women taking oral contraceptives.


METHODS
Cervical mucus samples were collected at specified intervals from 36 pregnant women. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantitate the presence of immunoglobulins A and G and interleukins 1 beta, 6, and 10 in cervical mucus.


RESULTS
Immunoglobulin A in cervical mucus remained stable during each trimester of pregnancy (26 mg/dL). Cervical mucus immunoglobulin G decreased from a first-trimester high of 44.4 mg/dL to lower levels in the second and third trimesters. Levels of interleukin 1 beta increased significantly from the first trimester (4261 pg/mL) to 12,899 pg/mL in the second trimester (P <.01).


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest a possible correlation of reproductive hormones and immunologic factors in the female reproductive tract during pregnancy.
Kutteh
W H
WH
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Immunology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee, Memphis, 38163-2116, USA.
Franklin
R D
RD
D000328:Adult; D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D018401:Sample Size
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D016207:Cytokines; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol