Specific antibodies and immunoglobulins in the oviductal fluid of the rhesus monkey

Abstract

Levels of specific antibodies against model antigens, immunoglobulins G and A and also albumin, in oviductal fluid were studied in the rhesus monkey during the periovulatory period. Animals were systemically or intravaginally immunized against T4 coliphages. Attempts to induce ovulation were made with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) monitored by radioimmunoassay of serum estrogen and progesterone. Collection of tubal fluid over 6 to 13 days was accomplished by surgical cannulation using a refrigerated extracorporeal collection device for each side. The results indicated the following: (1) The levels of specific antibodies against T4 coliphage and immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA) in the oviduct fluid averaged approximately one tenth of the serum values and showed a characteristic decrease and subsequent increase by a factor of 4 to 5 during and following treatment with hMG/hCG. The nadir was observed on the first or second day after hCG injection. (2) This pattern was similar in both ovulatory or nonovulatory cycles; therefore, these changes seem to be associated with the changes in serum estrogen levels. (3) There was a striking difference in serum and tubal fluid antibody levels after systemic versus after vaginal immunization by a factor of 10(3) and 10(4); however, the patterns in tubal fluid under treatment with hMG/hCG were very similar. (4) Specific antibodies in oviductal fluid and serum were mainly of the IgG class. (5) A concomitant change of total protein and albumin in oviduct fluid was also observed. The presence of sperm agglutination antibody in oviductal fluid was demonstrated in two monkeys after systemic immunization with homologous spermatozoa. The sperm antibody titers showed a similar pattern of change after hMG/hCG treatment.