Autoimmune disorders of the ovary.

ABSTRACT

Infertility and ovarian disorders may occur not only due to imbalance in the steroid hormones but also due to the alteration in the immune function. A number of autoimmune disorders of the ovary, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, premature ovarian failure and autoimmune oophoritis, have been documented. Both the cell mediated and humoral immune responses play an important role in these disorders. Cytokines secreted by the immune cells could have an adverse effect on ovarian steroidogenesis whereas the production of pathogenic T cells could lead to autoimmune disease of the ovary. Autoantibodies to granulosa and theca cells as well as zona pellucida of the oocyte have also been documented in women indicating that autoimmunity plays an important role in infertility. Thus the endocrine and the immune system work hand in hand to regulate ovarian function.