Effects of mouse testicular extract on immunocompetent cells.
We investigated mouse testicular extract (TE) to clarify its biological functions in reproductive immunity. TE, at concentrations of 50-300 micrograms/ml, enhanced macrophage activities of spreading, glucose consumption, and cytostasis against a susceptible tumor cell line. On the other hand, TE inhibited concanavalin A (Con A)-induced T-cell blastogenesis in the dose range of 10-600 micrograms/ml. To elucidate the origin of TE, W/Wv mice, which genetically lack germ cells, were used. TE obtained from W/Wv mice enhanced the spreadability of macrophages and inhibited Con A-induced blastogenesis of T cells. The enhancement of macrophage spreading was only achieved by the interstitial fluid (IF), while the suppression of Con A-induced T-cell responses was detected in seminiferous tubule fluid (STF) as well as in IF. TE did not affect listerial antigen-specific responses of lymphocytes in vitro. These results suggest that TE has the capacity to regulate the biological responses associated with reproduction.
Emoto
M
M
Department of Bacteriology, Nara Medical College, Japan.
Yagyu
Y
Y
Nishikawa
F
F
Katsui
N
N
Kita
E
E
Kashiba
S
S
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000818:Animals; D007121:Immunocompetence; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008262:Macrophage Activation; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012098:Reproduction / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D013737:Testis / Q000276:immunology*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic