Effect of Estradiol and Progesterone on the Secretory Immune System in the Female Genital Tract

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Abstract
The presence of a local secretory immune system which both synthesizes and releases Immunoglobulin A (IgA) has been identified at mucosal surfaces of the body1–3. A number of investigators have found that while IgA is a minor fraction of total immunoglobulins in the blood, it is the predominant class of antibody in external secretions4,5. In secretory fluids, IgA exists as a dimer in combination with two polypeptides, the J (or joining) chain and secretory component6. Recent information suggests that secretory component, which is present in epithelial cells acts as a receptor for IgA and mediates dimeric IgA transport7–10. The female genital tract appears to be a part of the local immune system because (a) IgA is the principal immunoglobulin in genital tract secretions11,12; (b) IgA-positive cells are present in uterine and cervical tissues13,14; and (c) the presence of antigens on luminal surfaces leads to the appearance of IgA antibodies in the secretions and IgA-positive plasma cells in the tissues of the genital tract15,16.

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