Abstract
Conclusions and Summary
1) Comparison of data with those on human semen presented previously(4) shows a close similarity in the immunological properties of seminal products of man and rabbit. In both species, seminal plasma and spermatozoa contain powerful antigens, so closely related that they have resisted differentiation. 2) These antigens are highly species and organ specific. Such cross-reactions as could be obtained, according to evidence provided by agar diffusion method, are due to one of the 5 components demonstrable by this procedure. The multiplicity of antigenic components corresponds with that previously shown in man and guinea pig (4-6). 3) Data obtained from human semen specimens lacking spermatozoa suggested that the antigenic material does not originate with spermatozoa. This view is further strengthened by the low degree of cross reactivity of rabbit sera with extracts from testes and epididymis. and, still more strongly, by evidence that extracts of seminal vesicle wall contain some antigenic components reactive with anti-seminal plasma and anti-spermatozoal immune sera. The seminal vesicle fluid of the rabbit contains in abundance nearly all antigenic components demonstrable with our sera. 4) The effective antigens found in seminal plasma and spermatozoa of semen appear to originate in the seminal vesicle.
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