Cyclic expression of HLA class I and II molecules on the surface of purified human spermatozoa and their control by serum inhibin B levels.
HLA class I and class II expression was analyzed weekly by cytofluorometry on spermatozoa samples from four donors during a 15-wk trial. On the same day that semen samples were studied, and to analyze whether this expression was hormone-controlled, serum levels of testosterone, LH, FSH, inhibin B, activin, and pro-alphaC on the one hand, and seminal plasma levels of inhibin B, activin, and alpha-inhibin on the other, were also measured. Inhibin B and related peptides were quantitated using a novel two-site assay with monoclonal antibodies to the alpha and beta subunits of inhibin. Our results showed that HLA class I and class II molecules were expressed on the spermatozoa's surface, following a cyclic pattern, and that there was a simultaneous and coordinated expression of both types of molecules (r = 0.801, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, when the expression of these molecules was plotted against the different hormone levels, serum inhibin B showed a clear inverse correlation with HLA class I (r = -0.612, P < 0.0001) and class II (r = -0.534, P < 0.0001). This finding reveals unexpected functions of inhibin B, which may be relevant in the fertilization process and on male fertility control.
Martin-Villa
J M
JM
Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario "12 de Octubre", Universidad Complutense, Madrid, 28041 Madrid, Spain.
Longás
J
J
Arnáiz-Villena
A
A
D028341:Activins; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000276:immunology*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000032:analysis*; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010507:Periodicity; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D028341:Activins; D013739:Testosterone; D007265:Inhibins; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone