Immunity to zona pellucida in women with low response to ovarian stimulation, in unexplained infertility and after multiple IVF attempts.

A retrospective study was designed to assess the presence of antizona pellucida autoantibodies in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) patients in relation to low ovarian response, multiple IVF attempts and unexplained infertility. Antizona pellucida and antisperm antibodies were determined in serum samples obtained from 37 women undergoing IVF-embryo transfer and 20 fertile women. Antizona pellucida antibodies were measured using enzyme immunoabsorbent assay. Antisperm antibodies were evaluated by the immunobead binding method. Three of 10 patients with low response to ovarian stimulation had antizona pellucida antibodies in serum and one patient had antisperm antibodies. None of the other participants in the study and the control groups demonstrated measurable levels of serum antigamete antibodies. The results in this small group suggest an association between antizona pellucida antibodies and suboptimal response to gonadotrophins. It is indicated that repeated stimulation and puncture of ovaries in IVF procedures do not elicit autoimmunity to gametes.