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In vitro fertilisation in immunological infertility
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, West Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Antisperm antibodies can cause infertility by impairing sperm function and fertilization. Assisted reproductive techniques offer hope for pregnancy despite these immune challenges.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Immunology
- Sperm-Oocyte Interactions
Background:
- Spermatozoa possess immune-evasive mechanisms.
- Breakdowns in these mechanisms can lead to antisperm antibodies (ASA).
- ASA are implicated in various infertility factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of antisperm antibodies on reproductive processes.
- To discuss the role of ASA in infertility.
- To explore current and future management strategies for ASA-related infertility.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on antisperm antibodies and infertility.
- Analysis of the effects of ASA on sperm function, fertilization, and embryo development.
- Evaluation of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in managing ASA-induced infertility.
Main Results:
- ASA can immobilize or agglutinate spermatozoa, affecting motility and cervical mucus penetration.
- Fertilization is hindered, with affected oocytes showing poor development.
- ASA may inhibit sperm-zona pellucida interactions and lead to post-implantation abortion.
- ART, particularly sperm-washing and modified culture media, can achieve pregnancies.
Conclusions:
- Antisperm antibodies present a significant challenge to fertility.
- Understanding ASA mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- ART provides viable options for achieving pregnancy in cases of immunological infertility.