[Changes in the blood-testis barrier as a result of streptococcal sensitization]

Permeability of the histo-hematic barrier in the guinea pig and mouse testes immunized with streptococci has been studied radiometrically and luminescent microscopically with application of labelled bovine serum albumin, human gamma-globulin and blue dye preparations. The permeability of the hemato-testicular barrier increases on the 7th--30th day after immunization. Test-preparations penetrate from the vessels of the intercanalicular connective tissue layers through the membrane of the convoluted tubules. The testicular autoantigen is revealed in blood. The disturbance in permeability of the hemato-testicular barrier precedes or coincides in time with the developing destruction of the testicular spermatogenic elements.