HLA-D determinants are expressed on human seminal cells other than spermatozoa but not on purified spermatozoa.
Purified human spermatozoa do not regularly stimulate lymphocytes in spermlymphocyte cultures (SLC). This lack of consistent stimulation was found not to be dependent on sperm/lymphocyte ratio or on culture peak response time. A few weak stimulations obtained are not HLA-D or sex dependent. Contaminating seminal cells other than spermatozoa (SC non-SZ) may be responsible for the high stimulations found in SLC by others, since, in our hands, purified suspensions of SC non-SZ stimulate allogeneic lymphocytes in an HLA-D-dependent fashion, and such responses are abrogated by anti-HLA-DR monoclonal antibodies. These functional data confirm our previous finding of HLA-DR molecules on SC non-SZ by absorptions (and a lack of expression on spermatozoa) and suggest the concomitant expression of HLA-DQ and -DP products.
Rodriguez-Cordoba
S
S
Department of Immunology, C.S.I.C., Madrid, Spain.
Regueiro
J R
JR
Arnaiz-Villena
A
A
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D005260:Female; D006681:HLA-D Antigens / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006681:HLA-D Antigens; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens