Seminal Plasma Abrogates the Postcoital T Cell Response to Spermatozoal Histocompatibility Antigens |
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Authors: | Imad K. Thomas John M. McLean |
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Affiliation: | Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, and Department of Anatomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, England |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACT: The T-cell responses to spermatozoal histocompatibility antigens were studied in the uterine regional lymph nodes of female rats by a specific cytoadhesion assay. The antigenic challenge was introduced either by artificial insemination with syngeneic or allogeneic epididymal spermatozoa or coitus. The uterine regional T-cell response to allogeneic spermatozoa following artificial insemination was measurable after 2 days and continued undiminished until day 5. In contrast, the measurable response to allogeneic coital challenge peaked on day 3 and disappeared by days 4–5. Since the difference between the two stimuli involved the presence of seminal plasma, these results indicate a possible immunoregulatory (suppressive) effect of seminal plasma on the cellular immune reaction of the female to the male alloantigens after mating. |
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Keywords: | Immunoregulation fetal allograft selective cytoadhesion seminal plasma |
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