The aim of this study was to make unbiased quantitative estimates of the number of T8 cytotoxic cells and T4 helper cells and macrophages in the head and tail of rat epididymides, using newly developed design-based stereological methods in fertile control animals, and to compare these with results from vasectomized animals. The location of these cells within the intra- and interepithelial compartments of the epididymis was also studied. In control animals, both the T4 helper cells and macrophages and T8 cytotoxic cells were found in significantly higher numbers (P < 0.01) in the head interepithelial location than in the intraepithelial site. In addition, there were significantly more (P < 0.01) T8 cytotoxic cells in the tail interepithelial region. Within the head region of vasectomized rats, there was a significant increase in T8 cytotoxic cells in the intraepithelial location (P < 0.01), and a decrease in T4 helper cells and macrophages in the interepithelial region (P < 0.05). Serum samples from vasectomized animals, when compared with those from control animals, showed a significant increase in cytotoxic antisperm antibody. This suggests that, in response to the increased spermatozoal antigenic absorption that takes place in the epididymis after vasectomy, the immune system redistributes its T cell subsets to modify the immune tolerance that may occur.

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The phenomenon of sympathetic orchiopathia, in which ischaemia of one testis results in histological damage to the contralateral testis, is now well documented. This study used immunocytochemical techniques to investigate whether this damage is caused by antibody penetrating the "blood-testis" barrier and affecting spermatogenic and supporting cells of the seminiferous tubules. It has been demonstrated that IgM antibodies breach the "blood-testis" barrier of the contralateral testis 7 days after infarction and that they are replaced by IgG antibodies after 28 days. Cells affected are the epithelial cells of the membrana propria, the Sertoli cells and immature spermatogenic cells. Beyond 28 days after infarction no significant amounts of antibody of either class were demonstrated within the seminiferous tubules of contralateral testes.

The effect of the anti-oestrogen Tamoxifen on the seminal quality of 131 men was studied. Parameters studied before and after treatment were sperm density, total ejaculate count, percentage progressive motility, progressively motile ejaculate count, percentage total motility and total motile ejaculate count. In a group of 38 males, the effect on serum LH, FSH, testosterone, oestradiol and prolactin was also studied. Tamoxifen significantly improved (p < 0.05) the progressive motility in all patient groups where there was reduced pretreatment motility. Sperm density was also significantly improved in oligozoospermic patients. Elevations in the basal serum levels of FSH was noted, even in those patients where the basal level was elevated before treatment. Increases were also observed in the serum levels of the four other hormones studied.

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