Study of precipitation reactions to Actinomyces israelii antigens in uterine secretions.

Uterine secretions were obtained from 110 women and analysed by counterimmunoelectrophoresis for the occurrence of precipitation reactions against Actinomyces israelii antigens. Precipitation reactions were found in secretions from seven women and a correlation was found between these reactions and long term use of plastic intrauterine devices. The precipitating components could not be proved to be immunoglobulins; neither could identity be shown with IgG precipitins in reference serum. The nature and the importance of the precipitating components are discussed.