The production of pregnancy associated alpha glycoprotein (PAG) from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

1434-9949

Pregnacy Associated Alpha2-Glycoprotein ; Oestrogens ; Indomethacin ; Rheumatoid Arthritis

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Summary A sensitive enzyme-linked immuno-assay has been developed which can measure the amounts of pregnancy-associated alpha2 glycoprotein (PAG) producted by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) in culture. Ethinyl oestradiol, indomethacin and pokewee nitrogen (PWM) stimulated PAG production directly while indomethacin produced an additional increase in PAG production by PWM-stimulated MNC probably by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins with down-regulatory effects on the MNC. Oestrogen stimulation of MNC produced significant increases in PAG levels only by the MNC of women on oral contraceptives but not from the cells of males or of females of reproductive age not on oral contraceptives. Since PAG has immunosuppressive properties these observations may be of relevence in understanding the mechanisms involved in the significant decrease in the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in women takin oral contraceptives.

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