Male mice were vasectomized by 'open-ended' or 'closed' techniques. After 4 weeks the cell-mediated immune reactions were compared with those of sham-operated animals by immunohistochemical localization of leucocytes, using specific monoclonal antibodies. Macrophages and MHC class II antigen-positive cells were the major cell types to appear in all regions of the epididymis after both types of operation. There was recruitment of T-helper/inducer leucocytes but not of T-suppressor-cytotoxic cells. An increased presentation of macrophage-migration inhibiting factor antigen appeared in interstitial and peritubular locations. After 'closed' and 'open-ended' vasectomy granulomata developed in the epididymis. The sperm-containing lumen of these granulomata was invaded by macrophages, MHC class II-positive cells and T-helper/inducer lymphocytes. This mouse model thus reveals a significant epididymal inflammatory response of the epididymis to vasectomy.

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The time required for nuclear transformation of human spermatozoa in the cytoplasm of zona-free hamster ova was determined using semen samples from four individuals. Zona-free ova were incubated with capacitated spermatozoa for either 3 h or for 4-8 h. After the first hour of insemination, up to 85 ova were fixed at 1-h intervals. Assessments of sperm transformation were carried out on Giemsa-stained preparations of ova. Considerable variation between individuals was found in the maximal time of sperm decondensation, ranging from 2 to 7 h. Decondensing sperm heads developed into pronuclei within 3-5 h. At and subsequent to pronuclear formation, the incidence of decondensing sperm heads was considerably reduced in both insemination times. This variability in sperm transformation is relevant in clinical evaluations of the functional capacity of spermatozoa.

No abstract