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  • Title: Guaiacol peroxidase levels in human cervical mucus: a possible predictor of ovulation.
    Author: Tsibris JC, Thomason JL, Kunigk A, Khan-Dawood FS, Kirschner CV, Spellacy WN.
    Journal: Contraception; 1982 Jan; 25(1):59-67. PubMed ID: 6277563.
    Abstract:
    Guaiacol peroxidase (G-Px) is an enzyme which in the human uterine epithelium has been found to be inhibited in vitro by estrogens and especially catecholestrogens. This study determines if the concentration of G-Px would vary inversely to plasma estrogens. It is hoped that this enzyme would decrease sufficiently early before ovulation to be useful as a simple predictor of ovulation in women. G-Px was serially measured in cervical mucus during the menstrual cycle of 5 healthy volunteers. Radioimmunoassay measured the following hormones in the plasma samples: 17 beta-estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones. In the midcycle, G-Px levels decreased 20- to 100-fold relative to other times of the cycle, the decrease coinciding with the peak of plasma estrogens and probably causally related to them. G-Px levels were not affected by the 2nd peak of plasma estrogens, possibly because of the counter effect of progesterone. Further research should be done to determine possible hormonal control of G-Px activity. G-Px may be central to the structure and function of cervical mucus. They may have bactericidal and spermicidal properties and may play a role in sperm capacitation. The findings in this study may be beneficial in estimating optimal time for intercourse and artificial insemination in infertile patients and improving the efficacy of the periodic abstinence method of contraception by easily identifying the fertile period. In addition, the G-Px assay in cervical mucus is adaptable to a simple sensitive home test because the products of guaiacol oxidation are visible to the naked eye and drastic changes in color production can be easily perceived.
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