[Immunological research in cryptorchism accompanied by infertility]

An overview of the recent literature shows that immune processes, primarily autoimmune events, occur in cryptorchid patients with infertility. The aim of this study was to examine cellular and systemic immune responses in these patients. Fifteen infertile cryptorchid patients have been investigated for the presence of circulating autoantibodies using immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase techniques. The study evaluated selected testicular structures and levels of immune products (IgA, IgG, IgM or immune complexes) in testicular biopsy samples. The results of the study showed no relation of infertility to systemic immune disturbance in most cryptorchid patients.