# SEX HORMONE REGULATION OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS

> **NIH NIH R01** · DARTMOUTH COLLEGE · 1987 · $173,737

## Abstract

The goal is to define the way in which sex hormones regulate the secretory
immune system in the female genital tract.  The approach presented builds
on recent observations by the applicant that estradiol and progesterone,
depending on the site involved (uterus, cervix or vagina), has either
stimulatory or inhibitory effects on the presence of immunoglobulin A (IgA)
and G (IgG) and secretory component (SC) in the genital tract secretions of
the rat.  Our immediate objective is to identify the endocrine condition
and routes of immunization that result in a maximal genital tract immune
response to specific antigens including group B streptococcus 1a antigen
and gonococcus pili.  These studies may define effective protocols for the
treatment of and protection against venereal diseases which at present are
at epidemic levels in this country.

To increase our understanding of the mechanisms through which hormones
control the secretory immune system, we propose to examine both the
transfer of immunoglobulins into genital tract secretions and the cellular
aspects of mucosal immunity.  Movement of IgA and IgG into the genital
tract in response to hormones will be examined using isotope tracer
(biochemical) and colloidal gold-tagged (microscopic) immunoglobulins to
identify the way in which the sex hormones exert their effects both during
the reproductive cycle and during pregnancy.  In addition, the female
genital tract transiently plays host to most immunologically important cell
types.  Our objective will be to examine the role of the sex hormones  in
the migration of lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils and monocytes into
the female genital tract and to characterize the sites(s) at which these
effects take place.

Since sex hormones and glucocorticoids have a marked effect on SC
production by rat hepatocytes, we will test the hypothesis that in vivo
hormonal changes may reduce liver clearance of IgA from blood and
simultaneously promote its uptake at mucosal sites such as the female
genital tract.

We also propose to examine the role of the female sex hormones in the
regulation of the secretory immune system in the uteri of women.  Through
in vitro studies we will attempt to determine whether estradiol and/or
progesterone are responsible for the cyclic pattern of SC levels in uterine
secretions during the menstrual cycle.  These studies are an attempt to
understand more fully the role of the sex hormones in regulating mucosal
immunity in the human.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3125459
- **Project number:** 5R01AI013541-11
- **Recipient organization:** DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
- **SAM.gov UEI:** EB8ASJBCFER9
- **Principal Investigator:** Charles Robert Wira
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $173,737
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-09-30 → 1990-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3125459

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3125459, SEX HORMONE REGULATION OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS (5R01AI013541-11). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3125459. Licensed CC0.

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