Changes in cervical mucus that prevent penetration by spermatozoa.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry
• Immunology

Background:

• Human mid-cycle cervical mucus is typically sperm-receptive.
• Conversion to a sperm-hostile state can occur due to specific agents or antibodies.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for reproductive health and fertility treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of mucospissic agents (biguanides) on cervical mucus properties.
• To explore the role of antisperm antibodies in sperm-mucus interaction and infertility.
• To evaluate potential applications in contraception and infertility treatment.

Main Methods:

• Studied two biguanides, chlorhexidine and Vantocil, for spermicidal activity and mucus interaction.
• Measured changes in mucus dynamic storage modulus and biguanide diffusion rates.
• Investigated antisperm antibody binding to spermatozoa and the effect of D-galactose treatment.

Main Results:

• Chlorhexidine and Vantocil were spermicidal at 1-10 mg/ml.
• Vantocil increased mucus storage modulus in a dose-dependent manner.
• D-galactose treatment reduced antisperm antibodies on spermatozoa, enhancing cervical mucus penetration.

Conclusions:

• Biguanides demonstrate potential for vaginal contraception due to their spermicidal and mucus-altering effects.
• Antisperm antibodies contribute to immunological infertility by immobilizing sperm in cervical mucus.
• D-galactose pretreatment offers a potential therapy for infertility linked to antisperm antibodies.