Presence and distribution of leucocyte subsets in the murine epididymis after vasectomy.
Male mice were vasectomized by 'open-ended' or 'closed' techniques. After 4 weeks the cell-mediated immune reactions were compared with those of sham-operated animals by immunohistochemical localization of leucocytes, using specific monoclonal antibodies. Macrophages and MHC class II antigen-positive cells were the major cell types to appear in all regions of the epididymis after both types of operation. There was recruitment of T-helper/inducer leucocytes but not of T-suppressor-cytotoxic cells. An increased presentation of macrophage-migration inhibiting factor antigen appeared in interstitial and peritubular locations. After 'closed' and 'open-ended' vasectomy granulomata developed in the epididymis. The sperm-containing lumen of these granulomata was invaded by macrophages, MHC class II-positive cells and T-helper/inducer lymphocytes. This mouse model thus reveals a significant epididymal inflammatory response of the epididymis to vasectomy.
Nashan
D
D
Max-Planck Clinical Research Unit for Reproductive Medicine, University of Münster, FRG.
Cooper
T G
TG
Knuth
U A
UA
Schubeus
P
P
Sorg
C
C
Nieschlag
E
E
D000818:Animals; D004822:Epididymis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006099:Granuloma / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000032:analysis*; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / Q000032:analysis; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D014659:Vasectomy
D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors