Application of monoclonal antibodies for antigen mapping of male and female generative tissue.

With the single experiment of nature hindering the rejection of the fetus in the mother, new basic mechanisms of this immunological phenomenon can be studied. The technique of monoclonal antibodies provides a helpful tool for the study of membrane structural and cytoplasmic molecules. Hybridoma clones offer for the first time the possibility of obtaining unlimited amounts of almost pure antibodies or very high titers and of defined characteristics. The most common application with reproductive tract monoclonals are found as follows: 1) Immuno-assays; 2) Immuno-diagnostics; 3) Imaging of tumors; 4) Immuno-therapy; 5) Induction of anti-idio-types; 6) Fertility control; 7) Application in basic studies and mechanisms. The following interesting results were obtained in this area: 1) The biological role of hormones can be critically analysed by the use of highly specific non-cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies. 2) A synthetic decapeptide earlier shown by our group to be reactive with naturally occurring human iso and autosperm antibodies demonstrated to be reactive with the monoclonal antibodies Ki VII-5 presenting potentials for an investigation of sperm as target of immunological contraception for possible diagnostic and therapeutic use in immunologic infertility. 3) A specific post fertilization-development influencing antigen was identified by Menge using monoclonal antibodies. 4) Five hybridoma clones producing monoclonals to porcine zona pellucida were established, and showed a characteristic staining pattern of oocytes from human eggs, hamsters, rabbits and mice by immunofluorescence.