Molecular forms of soluble HLA in body fluids: potential determinants of body odor cues.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Laboratory bench analysis of human biological fluids without a clinical comparative design
PubMed 10386394 · doi:10.1023/a:1026487421626
What was done
The authors evaluated human urine, saliva, and sweat to determine whether soluble human leukocyte antigens (sHLA) and their breakdown forms are excreted in body fluids. Protein molecular weights were identified, and urinary sHLA levels were measured across the ovulatory cycle using a quantitative ELISA.
What was found
Major molecular bands of 45, 40, and 23 kD were detected in the analyzed fluids. Quantitative ELISA revealed increased sHLA levels in urine shortly before ovulation, which decreased to normal levels thereafter. No specific quantitative concentrations, participant counts, or statistical values were reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
This work provides biochemical evidence that soluble MHC molecules exist in human excretions, supporting the hypothesis that MHC-linked chemical cues might play a role in human olfactory identity as observed in rodents.
Limits
The abstract omits sample size, participant demographics, quantitative measurements, and variance data. The study demonstrates the presence of sHLA molecules but does not directly test olfactory detection or behavioral outcomes in humans.
Cited by
- supports Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules are chopped up and secreted in sweat and other bodily fluids.