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THE RELATION OF CERVICAL MUCUS PROTEINS TO SPERM PENETRABILITY
Author(s) -
Elstein Max,
Macdonald R. R.
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1970.tb03476.x
Subject(s) - cervical mucus , mucus , sperm , albumin , penetration (warfare) , andrology , ovalbumin , biology , chemistry , immunology , medicine , endocrinology , immune system , ecology , operations research , engineering , ovulation , hormone
Summary An investigation correlating protein analyses of cervical mucus with sperm penetration tests and an assessment of consistency is presented. When the protein content was below 1·5 μg. per mg. of wet mucus and only albumin was present, sperm penetrability was optimal. When the protein content was greater than 12·5 μg. per mg. of wet mucus and transferrin and immunoglobulin were present in addition to albumin, sperm penetration was severely restricted. Protein analyses are proposed as a useful method of assessing cervical mucus function with particular reference to the effect of progestogens on the genital tract.