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Seminal plasma modulates lymphokine-activated killer cell activity in vitro
E Cardoso1, A Arregger, M Coumroglon
1Institute for Medical Research A. Lanari, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Minerva Endocrinologica
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Seminal plasma (SP) inhibits interleukin-2-activated natural cytotoxicity (LAK) in vitro when peripheral blood lymphocytes are cultured without fetal calf serum. This inhibition is independent of seminal plasma source or cell viability.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Previous research indicated seminal plasma (SP) inhibits natural killer (NK) cell responses in vitro.
- The effect of SP on interleukin-2-activated natural cytotoxicity (LAK) remained uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if seminal plasma (SP) inhibits interleukin-2-activated natural cytotoxicity (LAK) in vitro.
- To compare the effects of SP from healthy donors versus azoospermic patients.
Main Methods:
- Pools of SP from healthy donors and azoospermic patients were sterilized and stored.
- Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were incubated in RPMI alone, with fetal calf serum (FCS), or human serum (HuS).
- NK and LAK cytotoxicity assays were performed using the 51Cr-labeled K562 cell line.
Main Results:
- Seminal plasma (SP) significantly inhibited LAK activity when PBL were incubated in the absence of FCS.
- This inhibitory effect was observed irrespective of whether SP originated from healthy donors or azoospermic patients.
- The inhibition of LAK activity by SP was not associated with increased cellular death.
Conclusions:
- Seminal plasma (SP) possesses inhibitory properties against LAK activity under specific culture conditions (absence of FCS).
- The inhibitory capacity of SP on LAK is consistent between healthy and azoospermic individuals.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific components within SP responsible for LAK inhibition.