Antigenicity and autoimmunity in sexual reproduction: a review.

Abstract

Literature on antigens and the autoimmune response in the male reproductive tract is reviewed. Guinea-pigs injected with the testicular tissue of guinea-pigs showed orchitis epididymitis aspermatogensis and the production of specific antibodies against testicular and spermatozoa. The destruction of testicular cells in an i mmunized animal shows a progressive degeneration of spermatids spermatocytes and spermatogonia while the Sertoli cells may undergo hyperplasia though the seminal vesicles and prostate gland remain normal. This response does not seem to necessarily involve inflammatory lesions although 2 processes 1 involving inflammation and the other causing aspermatogenesis may be involved. The type of animal immunized the adjuvant used and the chemical nature of the antigenic m aterial must be considered before determining which mechanism is primary. The injection of testicular antigen in saline solution prior to immunization with Freunds antigen can prevent autoimmune aspermatogenesis in guinea-pigs. In spermatogenesis studies with guinea-pigs cytotoxic antibodies correlated well with PCA-producing antibodies. The cytotoxic activity has been localized in the gamma M fraction of antiserum and PCA activity was found in the gamma G fraction. There are apparently 4 antispermatogenic factors isolable from guinea-pig epididymal spermatozoa (S P Z and T) each of which shows different degrees of pathogenicity. Specific autoantibodies against certain antigenic components of the prostate gland and other accessory glands have been found in rabbits although no significant degree of tissue damage or inflammation was observed. 12 distinct electrophoretic components of antibodies to vesicular fluid have been isolated in the guinea-pig some of which are related to serum proteins. In the rabbit it was found that the antigenic nature of epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa are considerably different in that epididymal spermatozoa acquire an additional antigenic property as they travel through the urethra. There is also an antigen in seminal plasma that interacts with and coats spermatozoa (SCA). SCA has been shown to be a lactoferrin and 2 or 3 antigens in humans have been found to have SCA activity. The possibility of autoantibodies against antigens of seminal plasma has been demonstrated in the rat and suggested to be the case in humans. The association of spermagglutinins with fertility is discussed. Further research holds the possibility of developing antispermatozoal immunity by innoculation with a purified component of seminal plasma.