Long-term effects of vasectomy part II: Immunological parameters

Abstract A cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the long-term immunological sequelae of vasectomy with respect to humoral response as well as the cell-mediated immune response (CMI) to spermatozoa. In the humoral response, circulating immune-complexes (CICs) were also estimated and attempts were made to investigate whether the development of antibodies to spermatozoa had any association with the HLA system. Four different techniques, viz. tray agglutination test (TAT), spermatozoa immobilization test (SIT), cellular-radioimmunoassay (CRIA) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to estimate antibodies to spermatozoa. Serum samples were considered positive when at least two of the above mentioned techniques gave a positive response to spermatozoal antigens. The results indicated that 37.5% of the vasectomized men developed antibodies to spermatozoa. CICs were present in 12% of the vasectomized subjects and 4% of the controls. 59.3% of the vasectomized who showed the presence of CICs, were negative to the presence of antibodies to spermatozoa. The HLA antigen frequency in the vasectomized subjects did not differ in individuals with and without spermatozoal antibodies. The CMI response to spermatozoa was negative in vasectomized subjects.