Correlation of sperm-bound immunoglobulins with impaired semen analysis in infertile men with varicoceles.
Sperm-bound immunoglobulins were found in 27 (32%) of 84 infertile men with palpable varicoceles. These men were divided into two groups based on the presence (group I; 32%) or absence (group II; 68%) of sperm-bound immunoglobulins, as measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Circulating antisperm antibodies were identified in 52% of patients with sperm-bound immunoglobulins and 14% of group II patients. The presence of sperm-bound immunoglobulins was associated with a small but significant decrease in both sperm concentration and motility. Sperm-bound immunoglobulins are present in a greater percentage of infertile men with varicoceles than infertile men without varicoceles. Their presence may be a marker for damage to the seminiferous epithelia in men with varicoceles and may also contribute to varicocele-associated infertility.
Gilbert
B R
BR
James Buchanan Brady Foundation, Department of Surgery, New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, New York 10021.
Witkin
S S
SS
Goldstein
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis*; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012661:Semen / Q000032:analysis*; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*; D014646:Varicocele / Q000276:immunology*
D000906:Antibodies; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone