Immunological infertility Anti sperm antibodies

What leads to anti sperm antibodies & related subfertility?? The Sperm Abnormalities 1) Seminal vesicles 2) Prostate) Cowper' epididymis,

1)Seminal vesicles: These are paired pyriform accessory sex glands. 70% of ejaculate originates in seminal vesicles. Fructose and prostaglandins are the main biochemical constituents. Vesiculase enzyme contributes to seminal plasma viscosity. Control of seminal vesicle function is maintained by a number of hormones namely testosterone, estrogen, prolactin and vasopressin. Semen immediately after ejaculation clots (become more viscid) due to vesiculase enzyme. Unless the coagulum is liquefied sperm transport through female genital tract does not occur leading to infertility. This may be cause of infertility. Prostatic enzyme—plasminogen activator causes lysis of seminal clot and allows the sperm transport.

2) Prostate: This is the largest accessory sex gland. 3-4 cm in length and 20 gm in weight. Two ejaculatory ducts pierce prostate obliquely and open into the prostatic urethra at the region of prostatic utricle. The prostate contributes many biochemical constituents which are vital for sperm vitality and obviously for fertilisability. The important micronutrient elements are zinc, magnesium and calcium. Plasminogen activator (PA— already referred) for causing seminal clot lysis is an important constituent for maintaining sperm motility. Prostaglandin is also an important constituent of prostatic fluid which prevents formation of antibodies in seminal plasma. Acid phosphatase and prostate specific antigen (PSA) are markers of prostatic function.

3) Cowper's glands: Cowper's glands are located one on each side; the openings are located between membranous and cavernous portions of the urethra. The secretion of these glands occurs during penile erection and possibly during ejaculation and helps in lubrication of glans penis. The function of the gland is under the control of testosterone.

4) sites or AREAS AFFECTED IN OBSTRUCTIVE AZOOSPERMIA

Obstructive azoospermia occurs mostly due to infection and rarely due to agenesis or developmental defects. The following areas are commonly affected: (a) Rete testis,