Sperm agglutination

Sperm agglutination antigen-1 MAb Tobacco Spermicidal agent... 

Xu, B., Copolla, M., Herr, J.C., and Timko, M.P. (2007). Expression of a recombinant human sperm-agglutinating mini-antibody in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L). Soc. Reprod. Fertil. Suppl. 63 6465 77. 

The toxicity of starfishes may be derived from the saponins. The biological activities of these compounds were reported, including haemolytic properties, and antitumour [104] and antibacterial activities [105]. Inhibition activities for influenza virus multiplication, and anti-inflammatory activity towards contraction of the rat phrenic nerve diaphragm preparation, were also reported [106]. Saponins are chemical defence agents in starfishes, and they also induce escape reactions in bivalve molluscs [107]. It is of interest to note that the sperm agglutination substance in the egg jelly of starfish is similar to asterosaponin A [108]. 

Although, in controlled trials, no effects on male fertility could be demonstrated, ascorbic acid has been prescribed at 1 g per day for ten days followed by 500 mg per day through two of the partners menstrual cycles where infertility was suspected of having been due to sperm agglutination. Agglutination is probably caused by the undesirable oxidation of a protein present in seminal fluid. The reduction of this protein may be restored by vitamin C, in the presence of which it is said that sperms swim singly. Human seminal fluid is normally high in ascorbic acid (about 12 mg%) compared w ith serum (for example 1.2 mg%). 

DONG Q X, HUANG c J and TIERSCH T R (2007) Control of sperm concentration is necessary for standardization of sperm cryopreservation in aquatic species Evidence from sperm agglutination in oysters. Cryobiology, 54, 87-98. 

Thin, dry smears of the semen should be made for a morphologic classification of the sperm forms and should be stained with either hematoxalin or the more difficult, yet more precise, Papanicolaou technique. Also of importance to record is obvious sperm agglutination, pyosper-mia, delayed liquifaction (greater than 30 minutes), and hyperviscosity. In addition, pH, using nitrazine paper, should be determined. 

Antibodies to sperm surface antigens are a well-documented cause of infertility. They can decrease motility, cause agglutination, and be responsible for failure of sperm to penetrate human ova. Antibodies arise from autoimmune processes that can be initiated by infection, trauma, obstruction, cryptorchidism, and cancer. Immunosuppressive therapy has shown little to no benefit. 

Carson SA, Reiher J, Scommegna A, Prins GS. Antibody binding patterns in infertile males and females as detected by immunobead test, gel-agglutination test, and sperm immobilization test. Fertil Steril 1988 49 487-92. 

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