Clinical significance of naturally occurring anti-zona pellucida antibodies in infertile women.
Although implicated in the etiology of unexplained infertility, a primary role for antibodies to zona pellucida antigens remains uncertain. We therefore prospectively studied 21 infertility patients found to have significant anti-zona pellucida antibody titers (1:4 to 1:16). When treated for endometriosis or other concurrent fertility problems, 7 of the 21 (33%) delivered viable infants. Two other patients conceived without treatment. Decreases in anti-zona antibody titers were found in most but not all women with successful outcomes. In a given individual, anti-zona antibodies may coexist with other fertility disorders. Therefore, these antibodies should not preclude treatment of concurrent fertility disorders.
Caudle
M R
MR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Memorial Research Center, Knoxville 37920.
Shivers
C A
CA
Wild
R A
RA
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000276:immunology*; D010063:Ovum / Q000276:immunology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015044:Zona Pellucida / Q000276:immunology*
D001323:Autoantibodies