Induction of experimental autoimmune orchitis in guinea pigs after ligation of the seminiferous ducts

: In 18 immature guinea pigs both sides of the vasa efferentia were ligated; 18 control animals were not altered. The ligation did not prevent the formation in mature animals of active spermatogenesis in the majority of seminiferous tubules, but did cause a reduction in the number of layers of seminiferous epithelium in some, and atrophy of the epididymis due to the absence of germ cells. Immunization, in the adult stage, with homogenate of homologous testis mixed with complete Freund adjuvant created changes in the permeability of the blood-testis barrier in relation to endogenous globulins and rivanol and the development of autoimmune orchitis of the same intensity and terms as in the control animals. In contrast to the control group, destructive changes in the testis did not follow with inflammatory processes in the epididymis.