Passive immunization with antisperm monoclonal antibody ZAP-7 increases preimplantation embryo mortality in the mouse.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of VIC-1 and ZAP-7 antihuman sperm monoclonal antibodies on in vivo fertility in the mouse.


METHODS
A randomized blinded study using a mouse model.


METHODS
University-based laboratory.


METHODS
B6CBAF1 mice (n = 6 per experimental group).


METHODS
Antisperm antibodies were administered intravaginally to female mice before mating. Control mice received no treatment, saline, or nonspecific antibodies. Number and viability of preimplantation embryos were determined by microscopic observation. Mouse sperm, oocytes, and normal preimplantation embryos were used in indirect immunofluorescence assays with antisperm antibodies. The effect of antibody treatment on sperm motility and vitality was evaluated.


METHODS
Antigen expression, sperm motility and vitality, number and viability of embryos.


RESULTS
ZAP-7 antibody recognizes a sperm antigen expressed in zygotes and early preimplantation embryos. Passive immunization with ZAP-7 increases embryo mortality significantly (more than 40% above controls). Passive immunization with VIC-1 has no deleterious effect.


CONCLUSIONS
ZAP-7 monoclonal antibody disrupts fertilization and embryogenesis in the mouse.
Fuentes
P
P
Immunology Unit, Instituto de Biología Fundamental, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
Martínez
P
P
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000187:drug effects; D005313:Fetal Death; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D011247:Pregnancy; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D014022:Tissue Survival
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal