Detection of spermatozoal antibodies by radioassay: a comparative evaluation

Antibodies to human spermatozoa were produced in rabbits and a portion of each rabbit antiserum was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation. Fractionated and unfractionated antisera were used to compare a new indirect radioimmunoassay for spermatozoal antibodies with one indirect immunofluorescent, one microagglutination, and one macroagglutination assay. No significant difference in sensitivity was found when comparing the two agglutination assays. The indirect immunofluorescent antibody test appeared to be more sensitive than the agglutination tests, but endpoints were more difficult to interpret. The radioimmunoassay was the most sensitive procedure tested. The radioassay is not difficult to perform, but requires the preparation of a 125I-labeled antiglobulin reagent.