IMMUNOLOGICAL CAPACITY OF THE MALE GENITAL TRACT

Abstract

This chapter discusses the immunological capacity of the male genital tract. Immunoglobulin M cannot be detected in seminal plasma whereas Immunoglobulin G is usually present in concentrations of about 1% of the serum concentration, and it is transferred to seminal plasma by transudation in the prostate. The concentrations of immunoglobulins and secretory component in seminal plasma from vasectomized men are not different from those in normal men. In humans, little is known about immunoglobulins and sperm antibodies in rete testis fluid or epididymal secretions. Titres of sperm antibodies in infertile men are usually only at a slightly lower level in seminal plasma than in serum, and sometimes even at the same level. Sperm antibodies are carried into the genital tract secretions to a much larger extent than most other antibodies. Sperm antibodies in seminal plasma are partly Immunoglobulin A antibodies. The chapter discusses cell-mediated immunity to spermatozoal antigens and autoimmune orchitis.