The Proteins of Cervical Mucus and the Influence of Progestagens

Abstract

Summary A study is presented of the proteins of cervical mucus in relation to its changing physical properties. The effects of various low dose progestagens on these characteristics were investigated. A technique was developed to solubilize cervical mucus so that protein quantitation, reproducible disc electrophoresis and immunodiffusion could be carried out. Protein concentration reached a nadir at midcycle. Whe n progestagens of the 17‐α‐acetoxy series were given the lowest level was significantly higher than at midcycle in normal cycles and when norgestrel 75 μg. was administered at which time only albumin was present. In progestational states the concentration of protein was higher and in addition immunoglobulins and transferrin were present. These findings support the hypothesis that the 17‐α‐acetoxy progestagens exert their major contraceptive action through an effect on the cervical mucus. In contrast, norgestrel at doses of 75 μg. probably has its major action by disturbing ovarian steroidogenesis. It is concluded that the “serum‐like” proteins might play a significant role as a cross‐linking agent between the thread‐like glycoproteins. It is suggested that studies of the protein changes in the cervical mucus during administration of various progestational agents in relation to their effects on hormone output, might be applied in the search for a contraceptive with an optimal cervical mucus effect.

Cervical Mucus: An Agent or a Barrier to Conception?

“…The minimal levels of protein in cervical mucus at oestrus have already been established (Elstein, 1970;Hamana, El-banna & Hafez, 1971). The minimal levels of protein in cervical mucus at oestrus have already been established (Elstein, 1970;Hamana, El-banna & Hafez, 1971).…”

Immunoglobulin Concentrations in Cervical Mucus in Patients With Normal and Abnormal Cervical Cytology

“…Herve et al (1965) reported a midcycle peak of immunoglobulin which they attributed to follicular fluid as this peak did not occur in anovulatory cycles. By contrast, Elstein (1970) and Schaumacher (1973) reported a mid-cycle minimum in immunoglobulin levels while Moghissi and Neuhans (1966) found no significant change in immunoglobulin levels throughout the menstrual cycle. Tmmunoglobulin concentrations may also be influenced by age (Waldman et al, 1971), hormone therapy (Elstein, 1970;Behrman and Leberman, 1973), and by local and systemic natural or artificial challenge (Straws, 1961), or even by variations in the techniques of obtaining, processing and investigating the mucus samples.…”

“…The relative and absolute concentration of immunoglobulins IgA and IgG in cervical mucus appears to vary during the menstrual cycle (Herve et al, 1965;Moghissi and Neuhans, 1966;Elstein, 1970;Schaumacher, 1973), but published data display considerable inconsistency. Herve et al (1965) reported a midcycle peak of immunoglobulin which they attributed to follicular fluid as this peak did not occur in anovulatory cycles.…”

The Clinical Significance of Rheometric Measurement of Cervical Mucus Properties

“…This type of mucus is called E type (E = estrogenic) [6,10], Progesterone has the opposite effect of lowering the amount of cervical mucus, characterized by little water, an abundance of cells and cell frag ments and a high protein concentration. This type of mucus is called G-type (G = gestagenic) [4,6]. The estrogenic influence expresses itself by high spinnbarkeit and high feming, while the gestagenic influence is character ized by low spinnbarkeit and feming.…”