Related Experiment Videos
Antisperm antibodies in mouse vasectomy sera react with embryonal teratocarcinoma
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|December 1, 1983
Summary
Vasectomy in mice induces antibodies against sperm and F9 teratocarcinoma cells, suggesting shared antigens. These findings highlight teratocarcinoma cells as a source for studying autoantigens related to sperm.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Vasectomy is a common contraceptive procedure.
- The immune response to vasectomy is not fully understood.
- Teratocarcinoma cell lines share antigens with germ cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immune response to vasectomy in mice.
- To identify antigens recognized by antibodies in vasectomized mice.
- To explore the potential of teratocarcinoma cell lines in immunological studies.
Main Methods:
- Sera from vasectomized and control mice were tested using immunofluorescence and radioimmunoassay.
- Antibody reactivity was assessed against sperm, teratocarcinoma cell lines (F9, PYS), thymocytes, and fibroblasts.
- Western blot analysis was employed to identify specific antigen bands.
Main Results:
- Antibody titers to sperm and F9 cells increased with time post-vasectomy.
- A significant percentage of vasectomized mice developed antisperm and anti-F9 antibodies.
- Antibodies from vasectomized mice reacted with 50,000 and 150,000 dalton antigen bands in sperm and F9 extracts.
Conclusions:
- Vasectomy induces an immune response targeting sperm and cross-reactive antigens on F9 teratocarcinoma cells.
- F9 teratocarcinoma cells express antigens immunologically similar to those on sperm.
- Teratocarcinoma cell lines offer a valuable resource for characterizing autoantigens relevant to reproduction and development.