title: Induction of immunity to spermatozoa in male domestic fowl and effects on fertility.
abstract: Male fowl were immunized intravenously (i.v.) or intramuscularly (i.m.) with spermatozoa to assess the effects of immunity to spermatozoa on fertility. Histological and immunofluorescence evaluations of testis and ductus deferens tissues after 24 weeks of immunizations revealed immune cell infiltration and immunoglobulin associated with spermatozoa. The long-term immunization regimen resulted in significant antisperm antibody titres in the immunized groups. When semen from i.v.-immunized males was used to inseminate females, fertility over 7 days was reduced (P less than 0.05). A subsequent experiment using a 10-week i.v. immunization scheme also led to high antisperm titres. Spermatozoa from these males were characterized by lower fertility and duration of fertility than those of controls (P less than 0.05). As in mammals, a reduction in fertility may result from exposure of avian males to sperm antigens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Kirby
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Classen
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Smyth
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Froman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D002645:Chickens / Q000276:immunology*; D005298:Fertility / Q000276:immunology*; D007114:Immunization; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*; D013737:Testis / Q000276:immunology; D013997:Time Factors; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D007074:Immunoglobulin G