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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes
Published on: November 28, 2018
Antisperm antibody detection using concurrent cytofluorometry and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy
E B Sinton1, D C Riemann, M E Ashton
1Department of Pathology, Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, Colorado 80110.
Insights
This study detected anti-sperm antibodies in infertility patients using flow cytometry and microscopy. Significant antibody levels were found in both males and females, suggesting altered sperm antigens may cause infertility-related immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) are implicated in infertility.
- Detecting ASA in serum and seminal plasma is crucial for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate a flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy assay for detecting ASA.
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of ASA in infertile patients.
Main Methods:
- Concurrent use of flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy.
- Utilized fluorescein-conjugated antihuman immunoglobulins for antibody detection.
- Tested assay conditions with monoclonal antisperm antibodies.
- Analyzed sperm membrane integrity and antibody binding localization.
Main Results:
- The assay successfully detected ASA in serum and seminal plasma.
- Sperm membrane integrity affected antibody binding patterns.
- Significant ASA levels were observed in 21.6% of females and 40.8% of males with infertility.
- Differences in antibody localization between serum and seminal plasma suggest altered sperm antigens.
Conclusions:
- The developed assay is effective for ASA detection.
- Immunity to sperm may arise from altered sperm antigens in some infertility cases.
- Findings support further investigation into antigen alteration as a cause of infertility.
Abstract:
Anti-sperm antibodies from serum and seminal plasma were detected by concurrent flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy using fluorescein-conjugated antihuman immunoglobulins. Experimental conditions were designed, taking advantage of several monoclonal antisperm antibodies, to test aspects of the assay before clinical application. Perturbation of membrane integrity altered both the localization of binding and the number of sperm cells positive for bound antibodies. In specimens from selected infertility patients, 21.6% of the females and 40.8% of the males had significant levels of antisperm antibodies. Differences in the incidence of isoimmunity between female partners of antibody-positive or antibody-negative males and differences in the localization of antigens targeted by serum versus seminal plasma antibodies in men support the idea that, in some cases, immunity to sperm cells may be the result of altered sperm antigens.
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