Equine sperm-bound antisperm antibodies are associated with poor semen quality

Abstract

Antisperm antibodies (ASAs) have been associated with infertility in stallions. The objectives of this study were to investigate the frequency of ASA-positive semen samples in satisfactory and non-satisfactory breeder stallions, the association between ASA binding and semen quality, and factors that may affect the diagnosis. Breeding soundness examinations were performed in 21 stallions and the percentage of IgG- and IgA-bound spermatozoa was evaluated using flow cytometry. Median IgG and IgA binding did not differ between the first and second ejaculates. The percentage of IgA-bound spermatozoa was higher in non-satisfactory (n = 10) than satisfactory breeder stallions (n = 11). However, IgG binding or frequency of IgG-positive ejaculates did not differ with stallion classification. The IgG-positive stallions had significantly lower total sperm motility, concentration and total numbers than IgG-negative stallions in the first ejaculate, and lower sperm concentration in the second ejaculate. The IgA-positive stallions had lower total sperm motility, normal spermatozoa and total numbers than IgA-negative stallions in the first ejaculate, and lower total sperm motility, normal spermatozoa and total numbers in the second ejaculate. While IgG binding did not differ with season, IgA binding was higher in the non-breeding season (n = 6 stallions) than the breeding season (n = 15 stallions) in the first ejaculate. Stallion age did not differ with ASA classification. In conclusion, IgG binding was highly prevalent in both groups of stallions, while IgA binding was higher and more prevalent in non-satisfactory breeders. Both isotypes were associated with poor semen quality. Season and sexual rest had an effect on IgA but not IgG binding.