Studies on sperm antigenicity. I. Delayed hypersensitivity to spermatozoa

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Abstract
Delayed hypersensitivity to human and guinea pig sperm was demonstrated in guinea pigs of the Rockefeller strain by immunization with H37Ra adjuvant. The reaction in vivo was demonstrated by skin testing the animals and in vitro by the capillary method. It was found that the sensitivity is not only directed towards the sensitizing antigen, but also shows cross‐reactivity. Thus, peritoneal exudate cells derived from guinea pigs sensitized to human sperm were inhibited by guinea pig sperm. This cross‐reactivity revealed the possibility of a tissue specific antigen. In addition, supernatants obtained after incubation of the sensitized lymph node cells with the specific antigen were found to be spermatotoxic.