REGULATION OF REPRODUCTIVE-TRACT IMMUNOGLOBULINS BY ESTRADIOL-17-BETAIN THE EUROPEAN RED FOX (VULPES-VULPES)

The effect of the ovarian hormone, oestradiol-17 beta, on reproductive tract immunity in the female fox was investigated. Reproductive tract antibody responses were induced by either Peyer's patch immunization with a recombinant fox sperm protein, or by oral immunization with liv e, attenuated Salmonella typhimurium. The effect of exogenous oestradi ol-17 beta or the stage of the oestrous cycle on reproductive tract im munity was assessed. The secretion of specific vaginal IgA but not vag inal IgG, antibodies was reduced by exogenous treatment with oestradio l-17 beta, while both specific vaginal IgA and vaginal IgG levels decl ined during the period of natural oestrus. It is concluded that oestra diol-17 beta, and probably other reproductive hormones, are involved i n the regulation of antibody-secretion in the fox reproductive tract, and that reproductive status is an important factor to consider in the design and application of vaccines which aim to induce immunity withi n the female reproductive tract.