The relation between antisperm antibodies and testicular alterations after vasectomy and vasovasostomy in Lewis rats.

The relationship between antisperm antibodies as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the occurrence of alterations in testicular weight and histology was studied following vasectomy in Lewis rats. The effects of vasovasostomy on antisperm antibody levels were also examined. At 1, 3, and 4 months after vasectomy, the mean absorbance values in an ELISA for sera from animals with altered testes was significantly greater than that from animals lacking testicular alterations. However, animals showing positive antisperm antibody responses were represented both in the group with testicular alterations and among those that lacked testicular damage. Levels of antisperm antibody in both vasectomy and vasovasostomy groups significantly exceeded that for sham-operated animals, but the level of antisperm antibodies in vasovasostomized animals with positive responses was similar to vasectomized animals one and four months after reanastomosis. It is suggested that persistence of antisperm antibodies or testicular alterations, or both, may play roles in limiting the restoration of fertility after vasovasostomy.