Cell-mediated immunity to spermatozoal antigens after vasectomy: recent developments

Abstract

Vasectomy has rapidly become the most popular male sterilization technique in man in recent years. However, little is known about its long-term physiological, anatomical, endocrinological, and immunological consequences. This report summarizes recent developments in investigations into the immune response to spermatozoa after vasectomy. The review deals with those aspects that bear directly on clinical problems. Animal data is used where necessary to supplement inadequate knowledge of events occurring in man. The review reveals that the main obstacles to major progress in this area of research include: 1) unavailability of purified sperm antigens, 2) unavailability of a suitable animal model for such studies, and 3) inadequacy of the techniques currently in use. These are suggested as major avenues for future exploration. author's modified