These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: [Immunocontraception].
    Author: Testart J, Amiel ML, Tesarik J, Finaz C.
    Journal: Contracept Fertil Sex (Paris); 1992 Oct; 20(10):915-21. PubMed ID: 12285999.
    Abstract:
    The immunological contraceptive methods whose development is described in this work appear to inhibit the action of antigenic molecules necessary for fertilization. Antigens in the gametes or their envelopes that intervene in reconnaissance or fusion of the gametes appear to be more promising targets than those at the level of gamete production in the gonads. Clinical examples show that infertility may be spontaneously acquired in both sexes through active immunization. Contraceptive action can only be sought if the gametes carry specific antigens, so that other physiological functions will not be disturbed, and if the antigens play a determining role in fertilization. Research currently is oriented toward 3 complementary targets, the sperm and the 2 envelopes of the oocyte, the zona pellucida and the cumulus oophorus. Possibilities appear to exist of preventing the intervention of several different molecules in fertilization, although most of them are still poorly understood. In the past 10 years, various monoclonal antibodies have been produced against sperm of different animal species, some of which are capable of inhibiting fertilization in the same species and also in human beings. But in vivo effects of these antibodies have not been valuated, even in the same species. Active immunization of male or female guinea pigs with a sperm surface antigen has led to sterility, through inhibition of attachment of sperm to the zona pellucida, but the monoclonal antibody against the protein does not recognize the human sperm. Polyclonal antibodies against the same protein might be possible for human contraception. The biochemical and physiological study of monoclonal antibodies against human sperm is facilitated if the antibodies cross with rodent sperm. 2 such antibodies directed against proteins secreted by the human testicles are capable of inhibiting murine and human fertilization in vitro. Attempts to achieve active or passive immunization by targeting antigens of the zona pellucida have been underway for 2 decades in different animal species using ever more selective antigenic material. But in vivo animal studies caused serious ovarian disorders that would be unacceptable in contraception. A polyclonal antibody against the intercellular matrix of the human cumulus oophorus is capable of inhibiting fertilization in vitro, with the action resulting from a strong reduction in the number of sperm attached to the zona pellucida. Numerous aspects of immunocontraception are still at the research stage. Apart from the choice of the moist appropriate antigens, active immunization in human subjects must be preceded by massive production of purified antigens. Research is needed on the adjuvant, the possibility of maintaining high levels of antibodies, and the return of fertility. Despite the obvious public health need, few laboratories are engaged in this type of research.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]