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The effects of antibody sperm-egg interaction
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Jones Institute, Norfolk 23507.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|January 1, 1988
Summary
High levels of antisperm antibodies are linked to reduced fertility. Direct measurement of antibody-bound sperm is more accurate than serum tests for assessing infertility potential.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- High titers of antisperm antibodies correlate with diminished fertility.
- Immunosuppressive therapies have shown potential in improving pregnancy rates for some individuals.
- Current serum tests offer an indirect assessment of antisperm antibodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the limitations of indirect serum tests for antisperm antibodies.
- To advocate for direct measurement of antibody-bound sperm for accurate fertility assessment.
- To emphasize the need for improved diagnostic methods to identify fertility-impacting antibodies.
Main Methods:
- Discusses the correlation between antibody titers and fertility.
- Compares indirect serum testing with direct measurement of antibody-bound sperm.
- Explores the role of various sperm antigens and antibody interactions.
- Proposes the development of enhanced antigens and monoclonal antibodies for improved diagnostics.
Main Results:
- Direct measurement of the percentage of antibody-bound sperm is a more appropriate assessment than serum tests.
- Antibodies can impede fertilization at multiple sites.
- Not all antibodies developed against sperm antigens necessarily interfere with fertility.
Conclusions:
- Improved diagnostic tests are crucial for identifying specific antibodies that affect fertility.
- Development of better antigens is essential for creating more precise diagnostic tools.
- Monoclonal antibodies provide a framework for advancing these diagnostic capabilities.