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Antigens in capacitated spermatozoa eliciting autoimmune responses
E W Wingate1, R T Patrick, S Mathur
1Department of Urology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425.
The Journal of Urology
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Immune responses in infertile couples may be heightened by sperm antigens present prematurely on native sperm. These antigens, normally appearing after capacitation, suggest potential aberrations in infertile men, impacting fertility outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Immunology
- Sperm Biology
Background:
- Immunological infertility affects couples with sperm antibodies.
- Sperm capacitation alters spermatozoal antigens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate qualitative antigenic differences between native and capacitated spermatozoa.
- To correlate these differences with immunological infertility.
Main Methods:
- Western blot analysis of serum and seminal plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG).
- Testing against native and capacitated spermatozoa from fertile and infertile men.
Main Results:
- Both fertile and infertile subjects showed IgG binding to common antigens on capacitated sperm.
- Infertile couples exhibited stronger immune reactivity to specific antigens on native and capacitated autoimmune spermatozoa.
- These specific antigens appeared post-capacitation in fertile men but were present on native sperm in infertile men.
Conclusions:
- Certain sperm antigens may be prematurely present on native spermatozoa in infertile men, possibly due to inherent aberrations or premature capacitation.
- This premature antigen expression could explain enhanced immune responses observed in infertile couples.
- Understanding these antigenic differences is crucial for diagnosing and treating immunological infertility.