Related Experiment Videos
Sperm antibodies and human in vitro fertilization
G N Clarke1, R V Hyne, Y du Plessis
1Department of Pathology, Royal Women's Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Fertility and Sterility
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Sperm antibodies in female sera significantly inhibit human in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates. This study demonstrates that these antibodies reduce fertilization by over 50%, confirming their negative impact on IVF outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Immunology
- In Vitro Fertilization
Background:
- Sperm antibodies can affect male and female fertility.
- Their direct impact on human in vitro fertilization (IVF) requires direct evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly assess the inhibitory effects of sperm antibodies present in female sera on human IVF fertilization rates.
Main Methods:
- Donor sperm were preincubated with female sera containing sperm antibodies (Test) or without (Control).
- Sperm were then used to inseminate human oocytes obtained from a gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) program.
- Fertilization rates were compared between Test and Control groups using the immunobead test (IBT) to assess antisperm activity.
Main Results:
- A significantly lower fertilization rate of 41% was observed in the Test group compared to 84% in the Control group (P < 0.001).
- Three out of six tested sera demonstrated significant inhibition of fertilization.
- Complete inhibition was linked to high IgG titers, which were reduced by protein A absorption, removing the inhibitory effect.
Conclusions:
- Female serum antibodies against sperm can directly inhibit human IVF fertilization.
- The study confirms a causal link between sperm antibodies and reduced IVF success.