The collection and analysis of human fallopian tubal fluid

Abstract

A technique for the collection of Human Tubal Fluid (HTF) has been presented. It is a one-time procedure, coincident to other adominal surgery. The procedure has shown itself to be safe on 37 consecutive cases. The greatest quantity of HTF was obtained near the day of ovulation from patients with long fallopian tubes. A specimen with little or no turbidity usually could be withdrawn from the collection bag 24 hours after surgery. Electrophoresis of HTF in agarose resulted in patterns different from those found with the patient's serum. An altered albumin peak was noted in 2 cases, while in a third case, the HTF exhibited an increase in the ß globulin fraction. Immunoelectrophoresis demonstrated that many serum constituents are present in HTF. The immunoglobulin content presented a distribution similar to that which occurs in serum. Unlike other external secretions, γG is the major immunoglobulin constituent present in HTF. The sodium, phosphorus and magnesium content of HTF was similar to that of serum. In comparison with patient's serum, the potassium and chlorides of HTF were augmented while there was a diminution of HTF calcium. Glucose in tubal fluid was usually a half to a third of the patient's serum level. Marked elevations of amylase and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) were noted in HTF.