The significance of antisperm antibodies for sperm-cervical mucus interaction.
An overview is presented of the effects of antisperm antibodies on the sperm-cervical mucus interaction. Antisperm IgA on spermatozoa or in cervical mucus can severely inhibit sperm penetration of cervical mucus and migration through it. Disturbance of the sperm-cervical mucus interaction is the only firmly established effect of these antisperm antibodies and leads to reduced fertility, as shown by a poor or negative result of the post-coital test. The presence of antisperm IgA in the male or female partner can be investigated more specifically with the sperm-cervical mucus contact test and can be confirmed by the sperm agglutination test on bromelinliquefied cervical mucus, by the mixed antiglobulin reaction test or by the immunobead test for IgA.
Kremer
J
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Jager
S
S
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions / Q000276:immunology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*
D001323:Autoantibodies; D007070:Immunoglobulin A