Specific IgG levels appearing in the cauda epididymidis after systemic immunization of male rabbits

Abstract

RIA of specific IgG in serum and epididymal fluids following systemic immunization of male rabbits with DNP‐BGG showed a mean IgG epididymal fluid/serum molar ratio of 4.0 times 10 ‐3 , and in epididymal fluid a mean concentration of 3.8 times 10 ‐7 moles/1 or the equivalent in the caudal lumen of 40 000 anti‐DNP IgG molecules/spermatozoon there. This concentration did not change after the distension of the duct seen in the first months after vasectomy nor very markedly in the first 6 days after androgen withdrawal brought by castration. But the mean luminal level of specific IgG did rise some ten‐fold in the cauda subjected to body temperature for 6 days. Consideration is given to the prospect that such levels of antibody could compromise fertility if this were directed against some component that is essential for sperm function.