Serum autoantibodies in mice immunized with syngeneic testicular germ cells alone

Abstract

Problem: The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of serum autoantibodies in experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) induced by immunization with syngeneic testicular germ cells (TGC) alone in mice.

Method of study: The serum autoantibodies were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining.

Results: Serum autoantibody titers against TGC and epididymal spermatozoa (ES) gradually increased with the development of EAO. At the initial stage of EAO, serum autoantibodies reacted with only a few antigens of TGC and ES, while in the later stage, the reactions with various antigens of TGC and ES occurred. However, the autoantibodies were specific to the testis and epididymis but not to other organs.

Conclusion: These results indicate that titers and kinds of autoantibodies in TGC-immunized mice increase with EAO development and they are specific to TGC and ES.

Keywords: Autoantibodies; epididymis; germ cells; mouse; spermatozoa; testis.