Our data suggest that C1-INH, CD55, CD46, and CD59 are present on the sperm surface. These proteins may have biological functions, such as affecting sperm motility, besides the complement regulatory functions. In infertile men and women with antibodies that recognize one or more of these complement regulatory proteins, there may be problems related to poor sperm motility and survival in the reproductive tracts.
Antibodies to endometrial transferrin and alpha 2-HS glycoprotein present in the peritoneal fluid, and possibly in the oviductal fluid, of patients with endometriosis may adversely affect postcoital sperm motility and sperm survival.
Infertile men with sperm antibodies in serum and seminal plasma undergo premature acrosome loss. This loss may expose the reproductive tract immune system, especially that involving IgA, in autoimmune infertile men and the wives to high immunogenic levels of sperm acrosome membrane antigens, thereby rendering them immunologically infertile.
Significant antibody responses to C1 inhibitor-like protein and calmodulin were noted in autoimmune men. Both of these proteins may be of testicular origin and these autoimmune responses may be highly relevant to infertility.
Significant antibody responses to C1 inhibitor-like protein and calmodulin were noted in autoimmune men. Both of these proteins may be of testicular origin and these autoimmune responses may be highly relevant to infertility.
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