Special Antigens on Sperm From Autoimmune Infertile Men

ABSTRACT: Sera from three fertile men and four infertile men without sperm antibodies, 17 infertile men with sperm antibodies in serum and seminal plasma (S.P.), and 25 infertile men with sperm antibodies in S.P. were tested by Western Blot analysis against sperm membrane extracts and S.P. from fertile nonautoimmune men and infertile autoimmune men. Sera from fertile men reacted against common antigens with molecular weights (MW) of 28, 38, 48, 60, and 68 kD present on sperm from autoimmune and nonautoimmune men and special antigen of MW 76 kD on the sperm of fertile men. Sera from 15 of 17 (88%) autoimmune infertile men with sperm antibodies in serum and S.P. detected special antigens with MW of 58 kD (sera reactivity in 47% of these men), 43kD (in 29%), 30 kD (in 24%), 35 kD (in 18%), 52 kD (in 12%), 41 kD (in 6%), and 71 kD (in 6%) on the sperm of autoimmune men in addition to the common antigens. Sera from 15 of 25 (60%) men with sperm antibodies in their S.P. showed reactivity to special antigens with MW 52 kD (in 20%), 35 kD (in 16%), 41 kD (in 16%), 58 kD (in 8%), 70/71 kD (in 8%), 30 kD (in 8%), and 56 kD (in 4%). Sera from 18 of 42 (43%) infertile men with sperm antibodies also detected special antigens of MW 26, 46, and 76 kD present only in fertile men's sperm. Sera from only 15 of 42 (36%) autoimmune infertile men reacted against special antigens with MW 17, 20, 23, 30, 43, and 58 kD in the seminal plasma of autoimmune infertile men. Cross-absorption studies using sera from autoimmune infertile men further supported the presence of unique antigens on their sperm. It is proposed that the special antigens present on the sperm from infertile autoimmune men may be responsible for the enhanced humoral and cell-mediated immune responses observed in these men.     

Computer-Assisted Reporting System for the Follow-up of Patients with Cardiac Pacemakers

The implantation of large numbers of permanent cardiac pacemakers carries with it the responsibility for continual reassessment of all aspects of patient management. Experience with more than 4,000 pacemaker implants and replacements since 1963 has led to the development of a comprehensive computer-assisted data collection, management, and reporting system for the follow-up of patients with cardiac pacemakers. Over a seven-year period, data forms have been developed for the detailed documentation of pre-operative, intraoperative and follow-up information. These were designed in the form of checklists suitable for direct computer entry using mark-sense document readers. Special emphasis has been placed on pre-operative indications, selection of appropriate pacing systems, reliable follow-up methodology, and monitoring the performance of various pulse-generators. This system makes possible the rapid computer production of hospital records and reports to involved physicians and can be used to schedule follow-up assessments as required. The information also can be used for hospital statistics, billing, research, and pacemaker registration at the provincial, state of federal level. Experience has shown that a computer-assisted methodology is the only practical means of providing adequate follow-up for a large group of patients. In addition, direct access to relevant information helps to create an environment in which essential research can be carried out in the face of demanding clinical practice.