The Effect of Homologous Testicular Tissue Protein on Spermatogenesis of Mouse

Ryoo, Cheol Soo; Kim, Kee Soo

Abstract

It has become increasingly evident within the last few decades that immunologic factors are involved in some aspects of the reproductive process and hence in the physiology and pathology of genital tract. Clear-cut demonstration of the antigenic power of the spermatozoa or of whole semen in heterogeneous inoculation was first presented toward the end of last century. Around 1952, real progress widening the conception of spermatogenesis was made when a selective destruction of germinal cell! was obtained in guinea pig by auto- or homologous sensitization with a single dose of homogenate prepared from testicular tissue to which Freund`s complete adjuvant was added. The testis lesions were accompanied by development of humoral antibodies and cellular immunity. The purpose of this study is to observe the effect of homologous sensitization with homogenated testicular tissue on the spermatogenesis and immune response in mice, dividing into three groups; the first group is to give a complex of testicular extracts and Freund`s complete adjuvant (10 mice), the second group is to give a Freund's complete adjuvant alone (5 mice), the third group is normal control group (5 mice). The results were as follows: 1. The histopathologic observations revealed that spermatogenesis was more or less adversely affected exception case in group I whereas it unaffected in group II and III. The impairment of spermatogenesis was, diminished number of spermatozoa, degenerated and exfoliated germinal cells in seminiferous tubules and epididymides. 2. Diffusion test and sperm agglutination test for antibody were negative in group I as well as group II and III, which suggested that the histopathologic changes might be caused by cell mediated immune response rather than humoral antibody.