Polycystic ovary syndrome and ovarian autoimmunity--assessment of ovarian antibodies by EIA

J Reprod Immunol. 1999 Jan;42(1):79-84. doi: 10.1016/s0165-0378(98)00080-1.

Abstract

There are conflicting reports of an association of ovarian antibodies, detected by immunofluorescence, with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of ovarian autoimmunity with PCOS. A validated immunoassay for ovarian antibodies was used to assess serum from women with PCOS and with menopause and normal cycling women as controls. The frequency of ovarian antibodies was similar (25%) among the controls and PCOS. Thus, unlike the association of ovarian antibodies detected with this test in patients with unexplained infertility and premature menopause, the prevalence of ovarian antibody in patients with PCOS is not significantly different to controls.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Androstenedione / blood
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Autoimmunity*
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Humans
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovary / immunology*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / etiology
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / immunology*
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Testosterone
  • Androstenedione
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone