Chronic Immune Stimulation by Sperm Alloantigens
- 13 January 1984
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Medical Association (AMA)
- Vol. 251 (2), 237-241
- https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1984.03340260041024
Abstract
Putative, sperm-induced allogeneic immunization was correlated with immune dysregulation in a study of 30 asymptomatic, monogamously paired homosexual males. Evidence for allogeneic immunization existed among 19 of 26 homosexual males who were anal sperm recipients. No evidence for any form of alloimmunization was found in four exclusive sperm donors. Immune dysregulation in the form of a reduced effector/suppressor T-cell ratio (Te/Tse/Tsratio (0.85) in the female of a heterosexual couple who routinely practiced anal intercourse. Based on these findings, we suggest that chronic, repeated exposure to sperm during anal intercourse results in a high frequency of allogeneic immunization and may play an important role in the development of acquired immune dysregulation among homosexual males. (JAMA1984;251:237-241)Keywords
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