Experimental testicular torsion: Do spermatozoal autoantigens cause immunological activation?

Summary

Testicular torsion patients have significant fertility problems, which may be due to bilateral testicular disease. This study was designed to define expression of spermatozoal alloantigens and autoantigens on rat spermatozoa by immunization experiments and highly sensitive immunological techniques, and then determine whether or not experimental torsion results in autoimmunization. Sperm protein alloimmunization and autoimmunization experiments were first performed. Later, experimental torsions were applied for periods from 1 h to permanent torsion and also torsion followed by orchidectomy. Sera from these animals were then tested and compared to controls for evidence of immunological activation. Immunoblotting and dot ELISA tests demonstrated spermatozoal autoantigens following intradermal immunization and that experimental torsion is followed by a rising titre of sperm protein autoantibodies. The possible consequences of these findings are discussed.