Ovarian antibodies
Sample: Serum (Refrigerated)
Schedule: Daily (Immunofluorescence IFA)
Units: Titer
Range: Negative
Remarks: The detection of autoantibodies against ovarian antigens by Immunofluorescence is clinically useful in cases of isolated primary ovarian insufficiency and in connection with an autoimmune polyendocrinopathy. The clinical significance of these antibodies for polycystic ovarian syndrome, or for the rare autoimmune oophoritis, has been well documented. Primary ovarian insufficiency is characterized by a disorder of the generative and excretory function of the ovaries; affected patients are sterile (prevalence approximately 1%). Primary ovarian insufficiency can present itself as part of an autoimmune polyendocrinopathy in these cases. Ovarian antibodies can be directed against various target antigens of the ovaries. The prevalence of these antibodies is between 20 and 60% in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency, whereby antibodies of the classes IgA, IgG or IgM can be found. Further autoantibodies can be detected by serology in up to half of all patients with idiopathic primary ovarian insufficiency. These antibodies are frequently directed against thyroid antigens, adrenal cortex antigens and antigens of the parathyroid gland. Within the framework of an autoimmune polyendocrinopathy, relevant autoantibodies can also be found against endocrine tissues such as adrenal cortex, thyroid, parathyroid gland, stomach (parietal cells, intrinsic factor), pancreas islet cells, ovary, placenta, testis and pituitary gland. Antibodies against ovarian antigens are being increasingly detected in patients who have undergone repeated in vitro fertilization treatment. This is considered to be an indication for progression of the existing fertility disorder.
