IMMUNOGLOBULIN LOCALIZATION IN THE NORMAL HUMAN MAMMARY-GLAND - VARIATION WITH THE MENSTRUAL-CYCLE

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 107  (3) , 322-326
Abstract
Differences in Ig localization (IgG, IgM, IgA) in benign vs. malignant lesions of the human mammary gland were previously demonstrated. The influence of menstrual cycling on these immunoglobulins in the breast was evaluated. Tissues were studied from 53 normal breasts. The patients were 16-51 yr old, with a mean age of 35 .+-. 9 yr, and were documented as having regular menstrual cycling, lack of debilitating disease and abstinence from use of hormones or from medications that might influence the pituitary-ovarian axis. Immunoglobulin localization in the tissue section was determined by direct immunofluorescence with antibodies specific for IgG, IgA, IgM and IgA secretory component. The breast tissues were categorized into 5 histologically distinct menstrual cycle phases. No significant IgG localization was noted. IgA concentration was noted principally in the preovulatory phase of the cycle (P < 0.03). IgM showed a similar variance, and IgA secretory component paralleled IgA localization. No correlation between IgA and IgM localization and plasma cells infiltration nor between plama cell infiltration and menstrual cycle phase could be documented. Apparently menstrual cycline influences the human breast as part of the secretory immune system.