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Reproductive Medicine and Biology

Published in:

01-01-2012 | Original Article

Changes in cervical neutrophil elastase levels during the menstrual cycle

Authors: Fumiko Tawara, Naoaki Tamura, Nobuhiko Suganuma, Naohiro Kanayama

Published in: Reproductive Medicine and Biology | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Purpose

Cervical mucus plays an important role in host defense mechanisms and is involved in the ascendance of sperm. To determine the change of neutrophil mediators contained in cervical mucus, we measured total neutrophil elastase (NE) levels throughout the menstrual cycle.

Methods

Cervical NE concentrations in 31 healthy women having regular ovulatory cycles were measured during the follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases.

Results

The cervical NE levels during the follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases were 0.73 ± 0.57 (mean ± SD), 0.29 ± 0.33 and 1.32 ± 1.24 μg/ml, respectively. The NE concentrations during the ovulatory phase were significantly lower than the other phases.

Conclusions

The decrease in total cervical NE level during the ovulatory phase suggests that neutrophil activity in cervical mucus is depressed around ovulation. The decreased cervical NE levels and the depressed neutrophil activity in cervical mucus at ovulation may be suitable for sperm passage through the cervical canal.

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Title: Changes in cervical neutrophil elastase levels during the menstrual cycle
Authors: Fumiko Tawara
Naoaki Tamura
Nobuhiko Suganuma
Naohiro Kanayama
Publication date: 01-01-2012
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Reproductive Medicine and Biology / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 1445-5781
Electronic ISSN: 1447-0578
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12522-011-0104-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Changes in cervical neutrophil elastase levels during the menstrual cycle

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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