MAR Test Research Articles

Use of the mixed erythrocyte-spermatozoa antiglobulin reaction (MAR test) and the heterologous ovum penetration test in the assessment of human spermatozoa

SummarySpermatozoa from 269 male partners of infertile couples were assessed using both the mixed erythrocyte-spermatozoa antiglobulin reaction (MAR test) against IgG and the heterologous ovum penetration test. Penetration of zona-free hamster ova occurred with spermatozoa from 39 out of 60 men (65 per cent) with a positive MAR (IgG) test result, and statistical analysis demonstrated that the penetration of zona-free hamster ova is not related to the result of the MAR (IgG) test.

The value of the mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR test) as an addition to routine seminal analysis in the evaluation of the subfertile couple.

A mixed erythrocyte-spermatozoa antiglobulin reaction (MAR test) for IgG antibodies has been done on semen specimens supplied by the male partners in 720 subfertile couples during a two-year period. The test was possible in all except 69 patients (9.5%). Antisperm antibodies were detected in 48 (10%) of 484 men with normal sperm counts, 18 (23%) of 78 with low sperm motility, and 19 (15%) of 128 with low counts. In 204 patients, antisperm antibodies were also measured by serum sperm-agglutination tests: The results showed a highly significant correlation with the results of MAR testing. It is concluded that the MAR test should be a routine part of seminal analysis, since the presence of IgG antisperm antibodies can be established in about 10% of men who might otherwise be passed as normal, and such antibodies can be positively excluded in a further 78% of the male partners of infertile marriages.

Mixed erythrocyte-spermatozoa antiglobulin reaction (MAR test) for IgA antisperm antibodies in subfertile males

A mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR test), using antibody-coated red cells and spermatozoa, has been used to detect the presence of either IgA or IgG on he surface of the spermatozoa. Group O Rh-positive red cells were sensitized with serum containing anti-D, which was partly IgA, though mainly IgG. Spermatozoa were added to the sensitized red cells and tested either with anti-IgA or anti-IgG. MAR (IgA) test results were negative or doubtful in 42 (44%) of 94 samples with positive or strongly positive MAR (IgG) tests. Positive MAR (IgA) tests showed a highly significant correlation with the presence of antisperm antibodies in seminal plasma. Significantly impaired sperm penetration of cervical mucus was demonstrated for 15 patients, 12 of whom had positive MAR (IgA) tests, whereas good sperm penetration was observed for 5 patients with negative or dubious MAR (IgA) tests; all 20 patients had strongly positive MAR (IgG) tests and positive serum antisperm antibody tests.