Immunologic infertility: a basic review.
Antisperm antibodies interfere with the human reproductive events and once they have been produced, antisperm antibodies bind to the spermatic surface and affect both the transport of spermatozoa and the interactions between the gametes. The formation of antisperm antibodies has still not been completely explained and the antigen map of the spermatic surface has not been yet established. The antibody levels in the serum generally do not reflect the immunoglobulin present in the secretions of reproductive tract and in the immunologic screening of the infertile couple we need of direct analysis of antisperm antibodies on the spermatic surfaces. We have many diagnostic procedures but actually very few therapeutic options: to improve the last question, a better understanding of the phenomena that lead to fertilization is imperative.
Livi
C
C
Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florence.
Barciulli
F
F
Scarselli
G
G
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D013075:Sperm Capacitation; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*
D001323:Autoantibodies; D007518:Isoantibodies