PMID: 6398697Nov 1, 1984Paper

Role of cervical mucus in human infertility

The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
B Daunter, S K Khoo

Abstract

The physiological role of cervical mucus in enhancing spermatozoal penetration at mid-cycle has been established. However, the involvement of cervical mucus in primary infertility is still controversial. Although immunological reactions against spermatozoa in the female have been offered to account for the immobilization of spermatozoa--an observation termed 'hostility' of the mucus--this is not always demonstrable. In addition, there are a number of microbial antigens that are similar to spermatozoal antigens. Antibodies to these antigens are found in the serum of the majority of females and males whose infertility is considered to be immunopathological in origin. There are also naturally-occurring antispermatozoal antibodies in both females and males that in some cases may contribute to immunological infertility. The overall spectrum of 'hostile' mucus reactions becomes more complex when we consider the biochemical structure of cervical mucus and its possible interaction with spermatozoa. This spermatozoa: mucus interaction may involve the transfer of spermatozoal components to 'hostile' mucus that should normally be transferred to the zona pellucida of the ova. In addition, there are also pH changes in some 'hostile' mucus t...Continue Reading

Citations

Sep 1, 1987·European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology·B Polak, B Daunter
May 19, 2010·The Journal of Physiology·Ruth W Muchekehu, Paul M Quinton

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