The Effects of Isotypes and Regional Distribution of Antisperm Antibodies on Semen Parameters and Fertilizing Ability.

Pang,  Myung Geol; Moon,  Shin Yong

Original Article

Korean Journal of Fertility and Sterility 1998;25(1):1-8.
Published online January 1, 2001.

The Effects of Isotypes and Regional Distribution of Antisperm Antibodies on Semen Parameters and Fertilizing Ability.

Abstract

SUMMARY: To investigate the influences on semen parameters and fertilizing capacity of immuno- globulin(Ig) isotypes and regional distribution of antisperm antibody (ASA) on the human sperm surface. Sixty-seven ASA-positive patients were compared with 96 ASA-negative donors. ASAs in semen showed significant negative effects on both semen parameters and fertilizing capacity; in those with ASAs in the sperm head and/or tail, the reductions were significant. In the head as well as the tail, there was close correlation between fertilizing capacity and both IgG and IgA. Both semen parameters and fertilizing capacity are significantly affected by the presence of ASA in semen. In particular, antibodies IgG to sperm head and/or tail, and antibodies IgA to sperm tail appeared to have a highly detrimental effect on fertilizing capacity.