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Systemic sperm autoimmunity in spinal-cord injured men
I H Hirsch1, J Sedor, H J Callahan
1Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Urology Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107.
Archives of Andrology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Spinal cord injury often causes male infertility due to ejaculatory issues. This study suggests sperm autoimmunity may be a key factor in the reduced sperm motility observed in these men.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Urology
- Immunology
Background:
- Men with spinal cord injuries (SCI) often experience ejaculatory dysfunction, leading to perceived infertility.
- Assisted reproductive techniques enable sperm retrieval and assessment in SCI men.
- Asthenozoospermia (low sperm motility) is frequently observed post-ejaculation via assisted methods, but its cause is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of sperm autoimmunity in seminal dysfunction among men with spinal cord injuries.
- To assess hormonal profiles, testicular histology, and sperm autoimmunity markers in SCI men.
Main Methods:
- Reproductive evaluation of nine spinal cord-injured men.
- Hormonal level measurements.
- Testicular biopsy.
- Indirect immunobead tests for sperm autoimmunity (IgG/IgA).
Main Results:
- Mean sperm concentration was 144 ± 185 x 10^6/ml.
- Mean motile sperm concentration was significantly lower at 33 ± 62 x 10^6/ml.
- Positive IgG or IgA titers for sperm autoimmunity were found in 3 of 8 patients tested.
Conclusions:
- Sperm autoimmunity is a potential contributor to seminal dysfunction in men with spinal cord injuries.
- The incidence of immunologic factors appears higher in SCI men compared to other infertile populations.
- Further investigation into sperm autoimmunity is warranted for SCI-related male infertility.