The Effect of Testicular Torsion on Contralateral Testis and the Production of Antisperm Antibodies in Rabbits

Abstract

Apparently, unilateral testis torsion can cause disruptive anatomic changes in the contralateral testis of rats. This study was conducted to duplicate these findings in rabbits and analyze their serum for the production of the IgG class of antisperm antibodies and determine whether the proposed immune response demonstrated by contralateral anatomic testis changes was mediated by these antibodies. New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 8 groups. One had a sham operation, 1 had testis biopsy, 3 groups had ligation of the right testicular vessels with subsequent orchiectomy in 2 groups at 36 and 72 h, and 3 groups had 720.degree. torsion of the right testis. Half of the animals were sacrificed after 4 wk and the other 1/2 after 8 wk. Contralateral histology was analyzed in all rabbits and only those with torsion showed abnormal tubular architecture and defective spermatogenesis. Detorsion at 36 h and 96 h did not protect against contralateral testis damage. No animal whose vessels were ligated, no matter what treatment protocol was employed, showed contralateral damage. All rabbit sera were tested for the presence of IgG antisperm antibodies against a control rabbit that was a known antibody former, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent technique [ELISA]. No experimental animal had detectable levels of antisperm IgG when compared to controls. Three male rabbits who were converted to antisperm antibody formers by injection of sperm did not show anatomic changes in their testes.