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Sperm-zona pellucida interaction and immunological infertility.
Masaharu Kamada1,2, Masahiko Maegawa2, Toshihumi Daitoh1,2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Insurance Naruto Hospital, Naruto.
Reproductive Medicine and Biology
|April 28, 2018
Summary
Immune reactions to sperm and zona pellucida can cause infertility. D-mannose on the zona pellucida may be a key sperm receptor, suggesting potential for new immunocontraceptives.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Fertility research
- Immunocontraception
Background:
- Immune reactions to gametes are crucial for reproductive homeostasis.
- Aberrant immune responses can lead to immunological infertility.
- Antisperm and anti-zona pellucida antibodies are known causes of infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of D-mannose in sperm-zona pellucida interaction.
- To explore the potential of sperm and zona pellucida antigens for immunocontraception.
Main Methods:
- Spermatozoa pretreated with D-mannose.
- Analysis of sperm penetration and binding to the zona pellucida.
- BIAcore apparatus used to study kinetics between sperm extracts and D-mannnose.
Main Results:
- D-mannose pretreatment completely inhibited sperm penetration but not binding to the zona pellucida.
- Rapid kinetics observed between sperm extracts and D-mannnose.
- D-mannose on the zona pellucida likely acts as a secondary sperm receptor.
Conclusions:
- D-mannose is a critical molecule for sperm penetration of the zona pellucida.
- Sperm and zona pellucida antigens are viable candidates for developing immunocontraceptives due to lack of adverse clinical symptoms.
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