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Antisperm antibodies in the blood
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Normally, there are no antisperm antibodies in the serum.
In men, antisperm antibodies are formed as a result of an autoimmune reaction to the spermatogenic epithelium. Etiological factors contributing to the development of such a reaction include testicular trauma, bacterial and viral infections, surgical operations on the testicle (for example, after vasectomy, antisperm antibodies are detected in all men), in some cases, the cause can not be established. To determine the antisperm antibodies, ELISA is currently used, which is more sensitive and specific, and also allows the detection of antibodies of different classes (IgA, IgM and IgG). Investigation of antisperm antibodies of various classes allows quantifying the severity and severity of the autoimmune process, in addition, in men the serum antibody concentration correlates with the prognosis for restoring the ability to fertilize.
In women, antibodies against sperm antigens are not normally produced, however, various etiologic factors (eg, infections, autoimmune diseases) can lead to loss of immunological tolerance. Currently, the point of view is growing, according to which recognition of sperm antigens by a woman's immune system is important for normal fertilization and fetal development in the early stages of pregnancy. Normally, in the absence of antibodies in the blood under the influence of sperm antigens, the immunocompetent cells of the pregnant woman produce cytokines that promote the formation of trophoblast, the growth and formation of the placenta, and implantation. If antisperm antibodies are present in the woman's blood, these processes are violated, which leads to the termination of pregnancy, gestosis, delayed fetal development, fetoplacental insufficiency. In women, a clear correlation between the concentration of antibodies in the serum and a prognosis for fertility is usually not possible.
Antisperm antibodies to the surface antigens of spermatozoa are found not only in the serum, but also in the cervical mucus, where they can damage or agglutinate spermatozoa, which prevents the fusion of the sperm with the egg and conception.
The test for antisperm antibodies is recommended for all couples with unexplained infertility.
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