Depressed mononuclear cell phagocytic activity associated with menstruation.

The peak of the normal distribution curve for pelvic inflammatory disease occurs near the onset of menses. This study was undertaken to determine if there were changes in the cell-mediated immunity of normal menstruating women which could explain the increase in inflammatory disease. The cellular immune response of 8 normal women, measured by number of T- and B-cells and response of mononuclear cells to stimulation with mitogen, was not dependent on the menstrual cycle. However, there was a significant decrease in phagocytic activity of mononuclear cells early in the cycle. The depressed phagocytic activity was not altered by treating the subjects with ibuprofen.