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  • Title: Sperm antibodies.
    Author: Weisberg E.
    Journal: Fam Plann Inf Serv; 1980 Dec; 1(5):14-6. PubMed ID: 12310327.
    Abstract:
    In the vasectomized male, spermatogenesis is disrupted only temporarily and is restored within several months of the operation. There is thus a continuous degeneration and resorption of spermatozoa. Although cytotoxic antibodies and sperm-agglutinizing antibodies have been found in the blood or seminal plasma of vasectomized men, the antibodies do not have known adverse effect on spermatogenesis. Spermatozoa are normally isolated from the body by a blood-testis barrier. Vasectomy can break down this isolation by spillage during surgery. Antispermatozoal autoantibodies are formed but these antibodies are lost at later times. The epididymus appears to be an important site of antigen release in man, and sperm granulomas may play a role in the production of autoimmune response. Antibody levels developed following vasectomy have been found to correlate with total sperm counts in the ejaculate before vasectomy. Also briefly discussed are formation of antibodies to protamine, the effect of sperm antibodies on fertility following vaso-vasectomy, and the effect of agglutinating and immobilizing antibodies on fertility.
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