American journal of reproductive immunology and microbiology : AJRIM最新文献

An interpretive review of the theoretical and experimental data on the immunogenetic concept that "there are no strong and weak antigens, there are high and low responder genotypes," developed and upheld by the authors is presented. To achieve phenotypic correction (finding ways of turning genetically low responder individuals into high responder ones) the authors have developed complex antigens--artificial macromolecular complexes containing both the required antigenic determinants and adjuvant structures. Synthetic nonnatural carbohydrates and heterochain polyions with controlled structure (PAA, PVP, polyconidine quarternary salts) were shown to act as immunopotentiators, substituting the helper signal of T-cells. The authors' data confirm this immunogenetic principle for developing highly immunogenic preparations, prototypes of future vaccines.

This analytical overview attempts to cover the main achievements and trends in research and clinical investigation in animal and human reproductive immunology published in the 3-year period (1982-1985) between Fifth and Sixth Varna Symposia. New and successful steps have been made in immunodiagnostics, immunotherapy, and immunoprophylaxis of immunologically conditioned infertility. Considerable progress has been made in isolating and purifying immunogenic reproductive tract components that might be candidates in the preparation of contraceptive vaccines. With the modern developments in immunochemistry and cytoimmunology, including monoclonal biotechnology, new biological factors have been identified that play a role in integral regulation of the immune reactions to reproductive antigens, both locally and systemically. The practical significance of reproductive immunology is emphasized.

Outlining the physiological, biotechnological, clinical, and ethical aspects of extracorporeal (in vitro) fertilization and embryo transfer, and its progressively increasing practical application in the treatment of human sterility, the authors briefly share their experiences and achievements in the field. The observation data of 42 embryo transfers (from April to November 1984) performed on patients in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Christian-Albrechts-University and Michaelis-Midwifery School, Kiel, Federal Republic of Germany, is presented.

There are several antigens of the human sperm cell that can stimulate production of autoantibodies in certain individuals. This occurs in a number of spontaneous cases and leads to a condition of immunological infertility. It also occurs in a majority of men who have had a vasectomy. There are currently many new developments for the detection of the antibody, the study of its significance, and in the treatment of this autoimmune disease. As for the diagnostic testing of the serum, there are the classical methods of agglutination, namely, GAT, TSAT, TAT, and CTAT, and of immobilization. There are also the newer methods of the passive hemagglutination assay, the radio-label-antiglobulin test, the ELISA, the hemadsorption procedure, and the ATP-luminescence cytotoxicity method, plus indirect MAR (mixed antiglobulin reaction) and IBT (immunobead test) procedures. For testing of the genital secretions, sperm cells can be evaluated directly by the MAR and IBT methods, and cervical mucus, after being dissolved, can be tested by the MIS (microscale method) or an indirect IBT procedure. Interpretations of the significance of sperm antibody have been passed on epidemiologic values and also on direct fertilization-inhibition studies. Treatment of the antibody problem has been based on several approaches, but the most promising approach has been the use of intermittent high-dose steroid medication. A number of studies have shown good results by this procedure of immunosuppression.

There are several ways to make immunological contraceptive vaccines. We are trying to purify gamete antigens from human seminal plasma and porcine zona pellucida (ZP) by using several monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) for this purpose. A human seminal antigen relevant to sperm immobilization with corresponding antibody was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography-bound Mab 1C4. This antigen was common to human milk protein but is different from lactoferrin. It was termed "ferrisplan" and was secreted mainly from the epithelial cells of seminal vesicle and adhered to the midpiece and postnuclear cap region of spermatozoa. Another Mab 2C6 reacted only to the SP component but not to other organ extract including human milk protein. The corresponding antigen to Mab 2C6 is aimed to purify by using high performance liquid chromatography and immunoaffinity chromatography-bound Mab 2C6. Several Mabs to porcine ZP antigens common to human ZP did not block human in vitro fertilization unless the second antibody (anti-mouse gamma-globulin) was used. It is speculated that porcine ZP will not contain the antigenic component that relates to sperm receptor of human ZP. Therefore, an antigenic molecule located close to sperm receptor of human ZP must be purified from the porcine ZP by using immunoaffinity chromatography-bound Mab and other biochemical methods, expecting production of a corresponding antibody that blocks the fertilization in humans.

With the recent resurgence of breast-feeding, the medical profession has been facing numerous questions regarding the advantages, limitations and practicality of this mode of infant feeding. The recent identification in human milk of "growth modulators" has probably augmented its nutritional superiority. Several psychosocial advantages of breast-feeding have also become well recognized. The increasing knowledge on the immunologic quality of human milk has contributed a great deal to the explanation of the long noticed lower morbidity and mortality in breastfed infants. Several benefits have also been recognized for the nursing mother herself. On the other hand, problems in breast-feeding may arise from conditions either in the infant or in the mother. Only a few such conditions constitute absolute obstacles to breast-feeding. In promoting breast-feeding, a leading role should be exercised by the medical profession assisted by a responsible role for the formula manufacturers and a supporting role for the women's organizations.

Morphology and physiology of individuality depends on the genetic integration of the inner medium. All stages of reproduction in mammals are connected with inevitable contacts between genetically foreign structures: sperm-female genitalia; sperm-oocyte; mother-embryo. In this review, experimental data is presented regarding the problem of the genetic peculiarity of immune response to foreign antigens and data about rate and significance of the influence of exogenous and endogenous factors on the immune response activity. The paradoxical contradictions of opposite events, activation and inhibition of immune response at different stages of reproduction, and the practical significance of the relationships between them are discussed.