title: Reactivity of F(ab)2 fragments of sperm antibodies in agglutination, immobilization and immunofluorescence tests.
abstract: The reactivity of F(ab)2 fragments of sperm antibodies was studied in agglutination, immobilization and immunofluorescence tests. Pepsin digestion of full serum was an easy and effective procedure for preparing F(ab)2 fragments. Compared to the reactions with serum, F(ab)2 preparations revealed only a moderate decrease in agglutination titres but a complete loss of immobilizing activity. In immunofluorescence tests, nonspecific background staining was strongly reduced by using F(ab)2 fragments, thereby offering a more reliable basis for the reading of reactions. Even though the titres obtained with serum and F(ab)2 preparations did not differ essentially, it is suggested that the use of F(ab)2 fragments in IF-tests on spermatozoa may help to provide a higher degree of reproducibility.
mesh_terms: D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / Q000276:immunology*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D013073:Sperm Agglutination; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; D007074:Immunoglobulin G