Experimental Production of Autoimmune Aspermatogenic Orchitis in the Rabbit in Consequence of in situ Freezing of the Testis

Abstract

Multiple in situ freezing of the rabbit testis has been shown to be an effective antigenic stimulus as evidenced from the production of tissue-specific antibodies against a testicular antigen. These antibodies reacted with isologous as well as autologous testicular extracts. Histologic studies of testicular biopsies of the contralateral testis of frozen animals revealed alterations similar to those described by others following the induction of experimental autoimmune aspermatogenic orchitis by parenteral administration of testicular extracts in other species. The possibility of the induction of controlled freezing injury of an organ may provide a useful experimental model for further studies of autoimmunity in man and in experimental animals.

Immunologic and morphologic effects of cryosurgery of the monkey (Macaque) prostate

“…A cellular response has been observed in the rabbit prostate and other ASG following isoimmunization with extracts of male ASG and native or chemically modified seminal plasma [9,10]; and in the male ASG, including the prostate [11], the contralateral testis [12,13] and epididymis [14] following cryostimulation. In an attempt to delineate the cellular as well as the humoral effects of cryosurgery on the prostate, at the time at which tissues were obtained for cellular study, the presence of circulating antibodies has also been evaluated.…”