Clinical associations and mechanisms of action of antisperm antibodies.
OBJECTIVE
To review and critique the current English literature describing the effects of antisperm antibodies (ASA) on mammalian fertility.


METHODS
A comprehensive English language literature was searched using Medline and by hand-searching. Emphasis was placed on clinically relevant articles.


RESULTS
Results from the studies were extrapolated and the effects of ASA on fertility described.


CONCLUSIONS
Antisperm antibodies may interfere with fertility. Not all ASA cause infertility. Current tests cannot differentiate the infertility-related ASA from those that do not interfere with infertility, because the antigenic specificities of these ASA are not known. The antigens which the infertility-related ASA must be characterized to allow an accurate detection and proper treatment for couples with ASA.
Chiu
Will W-C
WW
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Auckland, Auckland 3, New Zealand.
Chamley
Lawrence W
LW
D020101:Acrosome Reaction / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008322:Mammals; D013075:Sperm Capacitation / Q000276:immunology; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions / Q000276:immunology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*
D001323:Autoantibodies