[Autoantigen T in guinea pig germinal cells: fine localization and ultrastructural lesions induced in vitro by specific anti-T autoantibody and complement]

Abstract

Four autoantigens (S, P, T, Z), are known to be present in guinea pig spermatozoa. The only anti-T antibody is able to fix complement and is spermotoxic. Using immunoenzymatic technics, autoantigen T has been localized on the plasma membrane of spermatozoa and spermatids. A quantitative ultrastructural study has shown the anti-T induced irreversible, specific lesions on the germinal cells in presence of complement. A few minutes after addition of complement, almost all the cells are injured. Control sere (normal serum, anti-ova or anti-S or anti-P sera are inefficient. These findings are related to the mechanisms of autoimmune aspermatogenetic orchitis.