| dc.description.abstract |
The effect of the ovarian hormone, oestradiol-17β, on reproductive tractimmunity in the female fox was investigated. Reproductive tract antibodyresponses were induced by either Peyer’s patch immunization with arecombinant fox sperm protein, or by oral immunization with live, attenuatedSalmonella typhimurium. The effect of exogenousoestradiol-17β or the stage of the oestrous cycle on reproductive tractimmunity was assessed. The secretion of specific vaginal IgA, but not vaginalIgG, antibodies was reduced by exogenous treatment with oestradiol-17β,while both specific vaginal IgA and vaginal IgG levels declined during theperiod of natural oestrus. It is concluded that oestradiol-17β, andprobably other reproductive hormones, are involved in the regulation ofantibody-secretion in the fox reproductive tract, and that reproductive statusis an important factor to consider in the design and application of vaccineswhich aim to induce immunity within the female reproductive tract. |
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