Abstract
Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the immunobiology of mammalian reproduction. Mechanisms of the type that characterize immunological phenomena have been postulated by several authorities as indispensible components of two key events in the reproductive process: (1) a highly selective antigen–antibody–like stereochemical interaction between highly specific components of the plasma membranes of eggs and sperms which provides a plausible basis for the tissue specificity and species specificity of fertilization and (2) a local inflammatory response with which mononuclear leukocytic cells appear to be intimately associated, if not causally related, in the endometrium, having some features in common with a local delayed hypersensitivity reaction, at the site of implantation and which may be essential for nidation. The fact that spermatozoa have long been shown to possess cytospecific antigens, in addition to their recently established expression of transplantation antigens, suggests one kind of maternal sensitization that might under natural and/ or experimental conditions interfere with the early stage of the reproductive process. Sensitization to various components of seminal plasma has also long been entertained as another possible immunological complication of fertility.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call