[Effect of homologous antistreptococcal antibodies on testicular tissue]

Ability of homologous antistreptococcal sera obtained in various periods after immunization (7, 14, 21, 30 and 60 days) to alter the testis following intravenous injection was studied in guinea-pigs. Only 30-day immune sera containing maximum antibodies to testicular antigens (fluorescent and spermacytotoxic) were able to induce alteration of the testis after preliminary (10 days before) intracutaneous administration of complete Freund's adjuvant. Within the first two days after the alteration induction, fixation of globulin from the immune serum on the structures of spermatozoas from the testis was determined by the immunofluorescent technique. Atrophy of the spermatogenic epithelium developed by the 7th day after the alteration induction. IgM containing spermatocytotoxic antibodies are responsible for the testis impairment induced by the spermatocytotoxic antibodies.