Objective: To investigate and compare mechanisms controlling the development of antisperm antibodies in situations with different status of active immunosuppression.
Design: Antibody activity against human sperm was analyzed by immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in sera samples of prepubertal boys and in circulation of sensitized immunocompromised mice.
Setting: Procedures were performed in a university laboratory.
Patient(s): Prepubertal healthy boys and patients with testicular failures.
Intervention(s): Blood was collected from healthy individuals and from patients with diagnosed testicular pathology; antisperm antibodies were rechecked after surgical intervention (orchidopexia or removal of the pathological gonad).
Main outcome measure(s): Antisperm antibodies in quantitative ELISA.
Result(s): Significant antibody activity to finally differentiated human sperm was detected in sera samples from prepubertal boys with testicular failures (cryptorchid or mobile testis), especially in individuals with both pathological gonads. "Naive" human lymphocytes deposited to peritoneal cavity of immunocompromised mice did not respond to in situ challenge with sperm antigens.
Conclusion(s): High antisperm antibody levels in prepubertal boys may suggest low immunosuppressive activity at this age. This situation may influence future fertility status of these individuals. Immunocompromised mice effectively prevented humoral response to sperm antigens suggesting different mechanism than T suppressor cell activity.