Abstract

A method for the collection of human tubal fluid and the determination of its protein content is described. 6 patients free of adnexal disease who were scheduled for elective abdominal hysterectomy or tubal ligation were selected for the study. Tubal fluid was collected by inserting a 16-gauge polyethylene tube into each oviduct about one-third of its length from the fimbrial end at laporatomy. The proximal end of fallopian tube was ligated at the uterine cornua. The fimbrial end was sutured snugly around the tubing. The ends of the polyethylene tubes were brought out through a low transverse abdominal incision. Each was attached to a needle which in turn was inserted into a vacuotube. A sterile dressing was applied to the wound covering the tubes and changed daily. The polyethylene tubes were removed on Postoperative Day 4 or 5. Tubal fluid was collected from 4 patients. In 2 cases the fluid was either too scant or discarded because of blood contamination. Total proteins were determined by the method of Lowry. The total proteins in the tubal fluid were 3.26 gm %. Major protein fractions consisted of albumen alpha 1 alpha 2 beta 1 beta 2 and gamma-globulins with approximately the same distribution as that in serum. Immunoelectrophoretic studies revealed the presence of some 15 serum type proteins. They included isoagglutinins and immunoglobulins with the exception of IgM which was found only in trace amounts in 1 sample. A specific beta-glycoprotein apparently produced by the fallopian tube and absent in blood was detected. This protein was immunologically identical with specific ovarian tissue antigen. It is suggeseted that further studies are required to determine precisely the functional role of such a large number of proteins in human tubal fluid.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.