Immunological characteristics of cervical mucus in infertile women.

The presence of local or circulating antisperm antibodies (ASA) in some women may cause infertility. We have examined 43 cervical mucus (CM) samples. In order to determine the total amount of immunoglobulins of individual subclasses we used the rocket immunoelectrophoresis of Laurell. To determine the specificity of the immunoglobulins to sperm surface antigens we employed the immunobead-binding test (IBT). Seventeen CM samples (39.5%) revealed high levels (> 0.22 microgram/microliter) of immunoglobulins. They were mainly of the IgA class, however IgG's were also present. We have found IgM in only two test samples (4.6%). Only two CM samples (4.6%) yielded positive results in indirect IBT. The obtained results show a complex immunological status of the human uterine cervix. Immunological response developed in this compartment may be directed against sperms as well as other antigens.