Quantitation of Albumin and Alpha-1-Acid Glycoprotein in Human Cervical Mucus

Abstract

1 Concentrations of albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) in human cervical mucus have been measured by a radial immunodiffusion technique.

2 The cervical mucus samples were obtained from women on combined oral contraceptives (Group A) and from women not taking this medication (Group B). In group A the mean level of albumin was 75.6 (range 22-198) mg 1^-1 and for AGP 6.5 (range 3-12) mg 1^-1. In group B the mean level of albumin was 72.9 (range 22-148) mg 1^-1 and for AGP 6.6 (range 3-14) mg 1 ^-1.

3 The levels of albumin and AGP in cervical mucus were less than 1% of the concentration in serum and were not affected by combined oral contraceptives.

4 The clinical and toxicological consequences of these observations, in terms of the disposition of drugs and other chemicals in the female genital tract, await elucidation.