GDA-J/F7 monoclonal antibody: a new marker for sperm cell precursors in human semen

Germ cells isolated from semen of oligospermic human donors were found to react with GDA-J/F7 monoclonal antibody (MoAb). Their reactions with this antibody were demonstrated by using fluorescein activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test. In the IIF test, the MoAb recognised an antigen on the surface of the sperm cell precursors (SpP) as well as on mature spermatozoa. The specificity of the antibody reaction with the SpP was further confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy. The MoAb did not react with peripheral blood lymphocytes or polymorphonuclear cells but did show cross-reactivity with monocytes. This antibody therefore provides the first marker for the SpP and could be used as a probe for their distinction from leucocytes. This could have clinical application in seminal analysis.