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Sperm immobilization antibodies in infertile male sera decrease the acrosome reaction: a possible mechanism for
I Taşdemir1, M Taşdemir, J Fukuda
1Department of Microbiology, Ege University School of Medicine, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Sperm-immobilizing antibodies in male sera significantly reduce both spontaneous and induced acrosome reactions (AR) in sperm. This inhibition of AR by antibodies may impair fertilization capabilities in infertile men.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Immunology
- Sperm Biology
Background:
- Sperm-immobilizing antibodies are implicated in male infertility.
- The acrosome reaction (AR) is crucial for fertilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sperm-immobilizing antibodies from male sera on sperm acrosome reactions.
- To assess the effect on both spontaneous and chemically induced AR.
Main Methods:
- Sperm from fertile donors were incubated with sera from infertile men (containing sperm-immobilizing antibodies) and control sera.
- Acrosome reactions were evaluated using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled Pisum sativum agglutinin.
- Spontaneous and A23187-induced acrosome reactions were assessed.
Main Results:
- Sperm incubated with antibody-positive sera showed a significantly lower incidence of spontaneous AR compared to controls.
- A23187-induced and inducible ARs were also significantly reduced in the presence of sperm-immobilizing antibodies.
- These antibodies demonstrably decreased spontaneous, induced, and inducible ARs.
Conclusions:
- Sperm-immobilizing antibodies present in male sera inhibit the acrosome reaction.
- This inhibition of AR by antibodies may represent a mechanism contributing to infertility.