Amelioration of Sperm Agglutinating Factor (SAF) Induced Sperm Impairment by Anti-SAF Polyclonal Antibody

Background: We have previously isolated a Spermagglutinating Factor (SAF) from Escherichia coli, which was capable of causing sperm agglutination and impairment of sperm parameters viz. apoptosis, premature acrosome loss and inhibition of Mg2+ dependent ATPase activity invitro. In addition, intravaginal administration of Balb/c mice with SAF resulted in infertility. To provide evidence that SAF plays an important role in impairment of sperm parameters and infertility, anti-SAF antiserum was raised and its application as a therapeutic intervention against SAF induced damage was evaluated. Methods: Effect of anti-SAF antiserum was evaluated against SAF mediated adverse effects on sperm parameters. Sperm agglutination was observed using light microscopy and Mg2+ dependent ATPase activity was estimated in terms of release of inorganic phosphate. Sperm apoptosis and acrosome status were evaluated by means of flow cytometery and fluorescent microscopy, respectively. Further, the impact of anti-SAF antiserum was also seen on fertility outcome in mice Results: Results showed that immunization of mice with SAF lead to the generation of high titer specific antibodies. Raised anti-SAF antiserum could neutralize all the biological effects of SAF in contrast to control antiserum. Furthermore, intravaginal application of anti-SAF antiserum along with SAF rendered mice fertile. Conclusion: Here we provide evidence that SAF plays an imperative role as all the detrimental effects induced by SAF whether in vitro or in vivo were blocked on simultaneous incubation with anti-SAF antiserum. Present work also highlighted the efficacy of the anti-SAF antiserum as a curative measure against SAF.