Optimization of the Weck-Cel collection method for quantitation of cytokines in mucosal secretions

Measurement of immune components in mucosal secretions is important for the evaluation of local immunity at the mucosal surfaces. The Weck-Cel ophthal mic sponge provides a method for the collection of these secretions. The sp onge absorbs a relatively large volume of material, therefore allowing for quantitation of multiple immune components. Additionally, it provides a met hod in which the same device may be used to collect specimens from differen t mucosal sites, such as the genital tract and oral cavity, This sampling t echnique has successfully been applied for collection and measurement of an tibody in oral and genital tract secretions. The purpose of this work was t o optimize the extraction of protein from the sponge matrix. Of particular interest was the recovery of cytokines from the sponge. Satisfactory recove ry of the cytokines interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-2, IL-5, IL-12, IL-6 , IL-8, IL-10, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor was obt ained. However, IL-4 and gamma interferon recovery rates remained low. Usin g an alteration of the published extraction method, cytokine concentrations were measured in cervical secretions from women using oral contraceptives. The data revealed detectable concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, IL-8, and IL-1 2 on cycle days 9 and 20, The proposed technique provides an easy, practica l, and consistent method for collection of nonconventional body fluids, suc h as cervicovaginal fluids and saliva, for the assay of immunoglobulins and several cytokines.