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Antisperm Antibodies
The sperms are ‘foreign’ to the body that
produces them because they contain only half the normal number of
chromosomes. Sperm, or sperm products, which come into contact with
blood are therefore capable of initiating an immune reaction with
production of antisperm antibodies. For this reason,
spermatogenesis normally takes place behind an ‘immunological
barrier’ in the testes. But in some males, sperm or sperm
components leak across the barrier and stimulate antibody
production. Antibodies may then enter the seminal fluid and
‘attack’ the sperm. Viewed under the microscope, antisperm
antibodies are seen to cause agglutination of the sperm and to
seriously reduce motility, thereby causing infertility. Once the
immune system has been sensitised to sperm, it is extremely
difficult to reverse the process. However, by the use of high doses
corticosteroids, the amount of antibodies may be reduced and
fertility temporarily restored.
Such immunological factors have been found to be present in up to
40% of couples with unexplained infertility, and in 10% of
unexplained male infertility.
Infertility in a couple can occur if the woman’s cervical mucus
provides a hostile environment by producing antibodies to her
partner’s sperm. More often, the problem is due to the male partner
producing antibodies against his own sperm.
Circulating sperm antibodies are present in most men who have
undergone vasectomy, and after reversal of the procedure these
antibodies often appear in the seminal plasma.
Unilateral or bilateral obstruction of the genital tract (either
congenital or acquired), epididymitis and varicocele are also
sometimes associated with an autoimmune response against
spermatozoa.
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