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A STUDY OF THE SECRETORY IMMUNE SYSTEM OF THE FEMALE GENITAL TRACT
Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1975.tb00578.x
Issue
1471-0528/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=b4e1d96c46e18c61210d584b63c13ee375cf562b "BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology")
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 82, Issue 10, pages 812–816, October 1975
Additional Information
How to Cite
Rebello, R., Green, F. H. Y. and Fox, H. (1975), A STUDY OF THE SECRETORY IMMUNE SYSTEM OF THE FEMALE GENITAL TRACT. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 82: 812–816. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1975.tb00578.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Summary
Immunocytes in the female genital tract are found principally in the endocervix. The predominant immunoglobulin produced in this site is IgA and this, together with the presence of secretory component in endocervical epithelium, indicates that a local secretory immune system, similar to that found in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, exists in the endocervix. This local secretory immune system appears to be the major source of immunoglobulins in cervical mucus and the presence of secretory IgA in cervico-vaginal secretions provides an effective protective mechanism against viral and bacterial infections. Secretory IgA also acts non-specifically against exogenous antigens and may, by binding sperma-tozoal antigens, play a role in immunologically mediated infertility.