1. Seminal fluid and fertility in women
Sarah A. Robertson, Ph.D., David J. Sharkey, Ph.D. 
Fertility and Sterility 
Volume 106, Issue 3, Pages (September 2016)
DOI: /j.fertnstert
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2. Figure 1
Summary of demonstrated and possible effects of seminal fluid in the female reproductive tissues of women. (A) Seminal fluid (sperm and seminal plasma) contacting the ectocervix causes neutrophil efflux; altered expression of mRNAs for a wide range of cytokines, chemokines, and other immune regulators; neutrophil efflux into the luminal compartment; and recruitment and activation of immune cells (macrophages, DCs, and T cells) within epithelial and stromal compartments. Whether this is accompanied by altered expression of miRNAs and increased Treg cell generation (as predicted by rodent models) is not yet known. (B) Sperm and seminal plasma moieties carried by sperm, access the endometrium, altered expression of mRNAs and miRNAs, increased synthesis of embryotrophic cytokines, and influence immune cell populations including Treg cells (as predicted by rodent models and in vitro experiments). Whether this occurs in vivo is not yet known. (C) The consequences of seminal fluid contact in women include elevated implantation rates after IVF ET and reduced incidence of preeclampsia and intra uterine growth restriction (see text for details). Based on animal model data, it seems likely this is the result of priming the immune response for adaptation to pregnancy, facilitating robust placental development.
Fertility and Sterility  , DOI: ( /j.fertnstert )
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