Effects of anti-sperm antibodies on human sperm ultrastructure and function.
The ultrastructural appearance of a highly motile population of spermatozoa from a fertile donor was evaluated following antibody labeling with each of several sperm head-directed anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs) and subsequent incubation in a capacitating medium in vitro. Acrosomes were classified into categories which are believed to represent stages in the acrosome reaction. Quantitative analysis revealed no difference in acrosomal morphology of antibody-labeled sperm between treatment groups despite a varying degree of enhancement or inhibition of sperm egg-penetrating ability. We conclude that ASAs affect gamete interaction through mechanisms other than an alteration in the acrosome reaction.
Laboratory of Human Reproduction, North Shore University Hospital--Cornell University Medical College, Manhasset, New York.
R A
RA
Bronson
G W
GW
Cooper
D M
DM
Phillips
D000906:Antibodies / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure
D000906:Antibodies