Sperm antibodies in a patient with obstructive azoospermia.
An artificial spermatocoele was constructed at the level of the caput epididymis in a patient with obstructive azoospermia. Morphologically normal spermatozoa were harvested but motility and progression were inadequate for intra-uterine insemination or in vitro fertilisation. In addition, there was an antispermatozoal antibody response which transuded back into the reproductive tract and coated spermatozoa with antibody. It is recommended that if harvesting of epididymal spermatozoa is contemplated, the serum should initially be assessed for spermatozoal antibody.
Kay
D J
DJ
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
Taylor
J S
JS
Boettcher
B
B
D000328:Adult; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood*; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000276:immunology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*
D001323:Autoantibodies