Intrauterine contraception with the Copper-T device: 4. Influence on protein and copper concentrations and enzyme activities in uterine washings

Abstract

The concentrations of protein and copper as well as the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase were measured in the uterine fluid of eight women using the Cu-T device for intrauterine contraception. Uterine fluid was obtained by irrigating the uterine cavity with physiological saline. Specimens were obtained in the proliferative (days 10–12) as well as in the secretory phase (days 20–23) before the insertion and during the 2nd or 3rd and 6th or 7th cycle with the device in situ . The presence of the device did not induce any significant change in the protein concentration of the washings. However, it resulted in a significant decrease in the alkaline phosphatase activity in the proliferative phase, while there was no change in acid phosphatase activity. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in beta-glucuronidase activity during the same period. The copper concentration increased significantly both in the proliferative and secretory phase. Calculated per g protein, there was a much higher increase in the copper concentration of the washings than in endometrial biopsy specimens. The presence of the device in the uterine cavity induced an increase in the number of white blood cells in the washings obtained during the secretory phase. The findings are discussed in relation to the probable mechanisms of action of the Cu-T device.