The natural anti-alpha-galactosyl IgG in seminal fluid. A simple means to determine damage to the blood-genital tract barrier in infertile males.
A simple method for detecting damage to the blood genital tract barrier (BGTB) is presented. The method is based on the ubiquitous presence of the natural anti-alpha-galactosyl (anti-Gal) IgG antibodies in high titers in the serum of every normal individual, and the interaction between this antibody and alpha-galactosyl residues on rabbit red blood cells (RabRBC). The binding of the anti-Gal antibodies to RabRBC could be demonstrated by the rosetting antiglobulin test. The seminal fluid (SF), normally compartmentalized from the blood, is devoid of anti-Gal reactivity. The SF of a large proportion of infertile males contained significant anti-Gal reactivity, implying transudation of serum IgG molecules probably due to damage in the selective permeability of the BGTB. The diagnostic potential of this assay is discussed.
Galili
U
U
Department of Hematology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Ron
M
M
Sharon
R
R
D001814:Blood-Testis Barrier; D005697:Galactosides / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000276:immunology*
D005697:Galactosides; D007074:Immunoglobulin G