Luteal Phase of the Menstrual Cycle in Young Healthy Women is Associated with Decline in Interleukin 2 Levels

The aim of this study was to look at the possible changes in the blood levels of Interleukin 2 (IL2) during the sexual cycle in generally healthy, young, regularly menstruating women. The concentrations of progesterone and 17β-estradiol were measured using radioimmunological assay. The bioactivity of interleukin 2 was measured using a biological test on the IL2-sensitive CTLL cell line. The percentage of lymphocytes with intracellular IL2 was determined by flow cytometry. Eighteen healthy volunteers (19 - 29 years old) were examined on days 5, 8, 14, 18 and 25 of the same cycle. All women were characterised by a regular menstrual cycle as per physiological levels of 17β-estradiol and progesterone. The luteal phase of the cycle was characterised by both a decrease of IL2 blood levels and a decrease in the percentage of intracellular IL2-containing lymphocytes stimulated in vitro. The IL2 level fluctuations observed during the menstrual cycle may be one factor causing pre-menstrual infections observed in young women. On the other hand, the decrease of IL2 may be seen as a start of the immune suppression necessary for an embryo’s nidation.

Interleukin 2 - Menstrual Cycle - Intracellular Cytokines - Flow Cytometry

References

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