Reaction of Sera from Infertile Female Patients with Fractionated Phylogenetically Conserved Ovarian Antigens Measured by Elisa: A Pilot Study

The reaction of anti-sperm antibody-positive sera from infertile women with fractionated mouse ovarian antigens was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Antigens were obtained by extraction for nuclear matrix and intermediate filaments (NM-IF) producing three protein fractions – soluble, cytoskeletal and NM-IF. The results showed that sera from some infertile patients, but not control sera, react with either the soluble fraction or the NM-IF fraction. The reaction with soluble proteins was most likely directed against surface antigens, possibly aggravating the fertility problems, while the anti-NM-IF antibodies could indicate release of insoluble intracellular components by tissue damage of unknown origin.