Some Immunological Properties of Human Cervical and Vaginal Secretions

Abstract

The cervico-vaginal secretions of 58 women were shown to contain IgG and IgA globulins in high concentration. The ratio IgG/IgA was found to be 1.5. IgM globulin was demonstrated only occasionally. Agglutinating antibodies to Candida albicans were present in 48% of the samples and antibodies to E.Coli in 77%. The opsonizing property of genital tract secretions against Enterococcus, Kleb-siella, Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas was found to be present in 207 tests (79%). Absorption of the material with a rabbit anti-human y-globulin anti-serum removed almost all the opsonizing activity. Lysozyme and complement were shown to enhance the phagocytic properties of these external secretions. Local immunological mechanisms are likely to play a significant role in the protection of human genital tract against infection.

A New Therapeutic Approach in Non-Specific Vaginitis

“…The detection of secretory immunoglobulin A in the vaginal exudate of hysterectomized women -cervical involvement is excluded here -confirms the existence of this independent local immune system of the vagina [4], This system is directed primarily against bacterial adhesive sur face structures, so that adhesion of the micro-organism to superficial epi thelial cells is impeded or prevented [1], These latest findings explain the intensive search for 'antiadhesive' vaccines. Antibodies against various microbial antigens have been detected in the vaginal exudate [7,9,[13][14][15]. Long-term protection through local immune stimulation and inhibition of the adhesion of pathogens, which is superior to the short-term effect obtained with antibiotics, is desirable.…”

Vulvodynia and selective IgA deficiency. Case reports

“…This is the most common immunological deficit, with a prevalence between 1:300 and 1:3000, depending on ethnic and geographical variations (Melamed er al. IgM is rarely detectable but IgG and IgA are present in significant amounts, reported mean values being 20mg/dl and 14 mg/dl respectively (Govers & Girard 1972). Affected persons may be totally asymptomatic (Plebani et al 1986) but more often they suffer from recurrent sinus and respiratory tract infections (Plebani et al 1986;French & Harrison, 1986), malabsorption (Wood et al 1987), atopy, rheumatoid arthritis.…”

“…Many different proteins contribute to the local defensive mechanism in cervico-vaginal secretions: lysozyme, proteinase inhibitors and complement. IgM is rarely detectable but IgG and IgA are present in significant amounts, reported mean values being 20mg/dl and 14 mg/dl respectively (Govers & Girard 1972). Immunoglobulin levels vary considerably with the hormonal cycle, the lowest concentration occurring during the luteinizing hormone peak (Schumacher et al 1977), when IgA may be undetectable (Usala et af.…”

Antibodies to Candida albicans in human cervicovaginal secretions.

“…Antibodies to C. albicans have sometimes been detected in human cervical mucus (Parish et al, 1967) or cervicovaginal secretions (Govers and Girard, 1972;Waldman et al, 1972a). These antibodies have been found to belong to the IgA and IgG classes of immunoglobulin (Govers and Girard, 1972;Waldman et al, 1972a).…”

“…These antibodies have been found to belong to the IgA and IgG classes of immunoglobulin (Govers and Girard, 1972;Waldman et al, 1972a). It has been suggested that these antibodies might be the product of a local immunological response in the genital tract: application of C. albicans antigen to the cervical epithelium has been found to lead to the appearance of IgA and some IgG antibodies in the cervicovaginal secretions of normal women (Waldman et al, 1972b).…”