[Secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA)/immunoglobulin A (IgA) ratio in cervico-vaginal lavage fluids]

Abstract

Investigation of the immunoglobulins in the vaginal lavage fluids are semiquantitatively. The aim of the present study was to complete the semiquantitative S-IgA estimations with an "S-IgA/IgA" ratio. An antiserum against the secretory component (Anti-SC) and an S-IgA standard as well as an antiserum against the immunoglobulin A(Anti-IgA) and a serum IgA standard were used. The ratio was proved in vaginal lavage fluids from 5 fertile and 2 infertile women in the course of the menstrual cycle on days 8th, 11th, 14th, 18th and 24th. Progesterone, IgG and IgA were estimated simultaneously in serum samples. According to the "S-IgA/IgA" ratio patients were divided in 2 groups with values higher than 1 on the one side and with values lower than 1 on the other side. In cases with high "S-IgA/IgA" ratio an increased local antibody production and secretion is supposed.