Immunoglobulins in the semen of men with azoospermia, oligospermia, or self-agglutination of spermatozoa.

One hundred samples of semen showing azoospermia, oligospermia, self-agglutination of spermatozoa, or normal physiologic spermatozoa were examined for evidence of autoimmune disorders. Immunoglobulin A, secretory immunoglobulin A, and complements C3 and C4 were present in a greater proportion of abnormal samples than in normal ones. The immunoglobulin A content of the abnormal samples was markedly increased, and the immunoglobulin G level slightly increased, as compared with normal samples. These findings support the hypothesis that agglutination of spermatozoa in semen is an autoimmune mechanism. They also suggest that, although spermatozoa may activate the mechanism, it is possible that abnormalities of the male genital tract can stimulate the formation of spermatozoal antibodies.

PMID: 7439412 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]