Localized and systemic hypersensitivity reactions to human seminal fluid

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Human seminal plasma can elicit immune responses in some individuals.
• Understanding these responses is crucial for diagnosing and managing adverse reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immunological mechanisms underlying reactions to human seminal plasma.
• To differentiate between humoral and cell-mediated immunity in affected patients.

Main Methods:

• Direct skin tests
• Leukocyte histamine release assays
• Radioallergosorbent test (RAST)
• Passive transfer tests
• Sephadex G-100 chromatography
• Sperm agglutination tests
• Histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing

Main Results:

• Reaginic (IgE) antibodies were identified in patients with systemic reactions.
• Cell-mediated immunity was observed in patients with localized reactions.
• Specific seminal plasma fractions showed higher reaginic activity.
• Sperm agglutinating antibodies (IgM, IgG) were present in some patients.
• Shared HLA antigens were noted between couples.

Conclusions:

• Both IgE-mediated hypersensitivity and cell-mediated immunity contribute to adverse reactions to human seminal plasma.
• Immune responses vary depending on the type and severity of the reaction.
• HLA compatibility may play a role in the immune response to seminal fluid.