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Influence of antisperm antibodies on human sperm function
R J Aitken1, J M Parslow, T B Hargreave
1MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, Edinburgh.
British Journal of Urology
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Antisperm antibodies can affect fertility by either stimulating or suppressing sperm function. The specific sperm antigens targeted, not antibody levels, determine this effect in infertile and vasectomized men.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Andrology
Background:
- Antisperm antibodies are detected in a significant percentage of men experiencing infertility or post-vasectomy.
- The precise mechanisms by which these antibodies influence sperm function remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional impact of antisperm antibodies on sperm function.
- To characterize the target antigens recognized by these antibodies in infertile and vasovasostomized patients.
Main Methods:
- Serum and seminal plasma samples were collected from patients with infertility (n=61) and undergoing vasovasostomy (n=25).
- Antisera were tested for their capacity to stimulate or suppress sperm/oocyte fusion.
- Western blot analysis was used to identify target sperm surface antigens.
Main Results:
- Antibodies from both patient groups demonstrated the ability to either stimulate or suppress sperm/oocyte fusion.
- Stimulatory activity was more prevalent in the vasovasostomized group (50%) compared to the infertile group (21%).
- Antibody titre did not correlate with functional effects; the nature of target antigens (30, 35, 45, 66, 90, 115 kD) was significant.
Conclusions:
- Antisperm antibodies can modulate sperm function, with effects varying from stimulation to suppression of fertilization.
- The specific sperm surface antigens targeted by antibodies are critical determinants of their functional impact.
- Further research using monoclonal antibodies is needed to pinpoint specific antigens responsible for suppressing sperm function.