The effect of the ovarian hormone, oestradiol-17β, 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 live, attenuated
Salmonella typhimurium. The effect of exogenous
oestradiol-17β or the stage of the oestrous cycle on reproductive tract
immunity was assessed. The secretion of specific vaginal IgA, but not vaginal
IgG, antibodies was reduced by exogenous treatment with oestradiol-17β,
while both specific vaginal IgA and vaginal IgG levels declined during the
period of natural oestrus. It is concluded that oestradiol-17β, and
probably other reproductive hormones, are involved in 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 within the female reproductive tract.