Ovulatory Mucus and his pH, Arborization and Spermagglutination Antibodies in Women with Fertility Disorders

Czech version

Authors: J. Gruberová ¹; S. Biková ¹; Z. Ulčová-Gallová ¹; J. Reischig ²; Z. Rokyta ¹
Authors‘ workplace: Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika LF UK a FN, Plzeň, přednosta doc. MUDr. Z. Rokyta, CSc. ¹; Ústav biologie LF UK, Plzeň, přednosta doc. RNDr. J. Reischig, CSc. ²
Published in: Ceska Gynekol 2006; 71(1): 36-40
Category: Original Article

Overview

Objective:
We studied pH of ovulatory mucus, sperm penetration through capillary filled with ovulatory mucus in one hour and presence of local spermagglutinating antibodies.

Methods:
We measured pH, arborization and Kremer test in ovulatory mucus in 127 women with fertility disorder. Indirect mixed antiimunoglobulin reaction test (i-MAR-test for IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE) was used for detection of spermagglutinating antibodies. Results: pH 7.4–9.6 (physiological limit) was found in 94/127 women (74%), pH<7.4 in 33 women (26%). 60% of 94 patients with physiological pH had Kremer’s test above 2cm/hour (normal sperm penetration in ovulatory mucus), in 40% of them reduction of sperm penetration (<2cm/hour, swelling, shaking, cytotoxicity) was seen. Sperm antibodies in ovulatory mucus in 24% patients with pH<7.4 and 22% patients with physiological pH were studied. In 111 patients with regular menstrual cycle a classical arborization was found in 81%, in 14% was not proved. In 16 patients with irregular menstrual cycle classical arborization was observed in 11 of them. Local sperm antibodies were detected only in 13% of the total count of patients, it means in 17 patients. Their ovulatory mucus showed classical arborization. 30 healthy fertile women created the control group, only one secretion had pathological findings in all studied parameters owing to latent mycotic infection.

Summary:
Pathological pH of ovulatory mucus, hormonal dysbalance, and presence of local spermagglutinating antibodies evidently influence penetration of sperm cells through cervix uteri. Otherwise pathological microbial vaginal environment can start a cross reaction with the surface microbes and sperm epitopes. One sign of ovulation, arborization of cervical ovulatory mucus, is not connected directly with the presence of local sperm antibodies, but insufficient estrogen influence is a sign of the reduced immunosuppression in cervix area.

Key words:
fertility disorders, ovulatory mucus, pH, arborization, antibodies, Kremmer test, i-MAR-test