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Autoimmunity in premature ovarian failure.
E K Muechler1, K E Huang, E Schenk
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York.
International Journal of Fertility
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Autoimmune processes may contribute to premature ovarian failure (POF). Ovarian biopsies and serum analysis revealed autoantibodies in many POF patients, suggesting autoimmunity even without overt symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Premature ovarian failure (POF) affects women of reproductive age.
- The etiology of POF is often unknown, with autoimmunity being a suspected factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of autoimmunity in premature ovarian failure (POF).
- To correlate ovarian histopathology and serological findings in patients with POF.
Main Methods:
- Laparoscopic ovarian biopsies were performed on 17 patients with POF.
- Ovarian tissue was analyzed for follicles, corpora albicanti, cysts, and by immunofluorescence.
- Chromosome analysis was conducted.
- Serum was analyzed for autoantibodies using immunofluorescence.
Main Results:
- Ovarian tissue revealed primordial follicles, corpora albicanti, or cysts in some patients.
- Chromosome analysis showed various karyotypes, including normal XX, XY, XO, and mosaicism.
- Circulating autoantibodies were detected in 6 of 12 patients.
- Immunofluorescence studies showed antibodies against ovarian stromal components, follicular epithelium, and nuclear antigens in ovarian tissue and serum.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of patients with POF exhibit serological and biopsy findings consistent with autoimmunity.
- Autoimmune processes may play a role in the pathogenesis of POF, even in the absence of other clinical autoimmune manifestations.