Related Experiment Videos
Autoimmune aspects of human infertility
1Sperm Antibody Laboratory, Fertility Antibody Diagnostics, Inc., New York, New York 10025.
In Vivo (Athens, Greece)
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Antibodies against sperm can cause infertility in both men and women. Diagnostic evaluation requires testing serum, cervical mucus, and sperm for these antibodies using various methods.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Immunology
- Infertility Diagnostics
Background:
- Antibodies against human sperm are produced by both men and women.
- This antibody factor is present in 9% of infertile men and 12-15% of infertile women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic evaluation for infertile couples concerning anti-sperm antibodies.
- To review standard and newer methods for detecting these antibodies.
Main Methods:
- Serum antibody detection: Gelatin Agglutination Test (GAT), Tumbe-Slide Agglutination Test (TSAT), Tray Agglutination Test (TAT), Capillary Tube Agglutination Test (CTAT), Isojima immobilization, passive hemagglutination, radiolabel-antiglobulin, ATR-release cytotoxicity, hemadsorption, indirect immunobead, and ELISA.
- Sperm antibody detection: Mixed Anti-Globulin Reaction (MAR) test or Immunobead Test (IBT).
- Cervical mucus antibody assessment: Bromelin digestion followed by testing.
Main Results:
- Antibodies against sperm can be detected in serum, sperm, and cervical mucus.
- Various established and novel immunological assays are available for detection.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive infertility evaluation necessitates assessing anti-sperm antibodies in both partners.
- Testing involves analyzing serum, sperm, and cervical mucus using appropriate immunological techniques.