Immune Dysfunction in Rabbits Associated With Chronic Administration of Enemas and Rectal Insemination

Abstract

NZ rabbits were treated with various combinations of enemas and intrarectal insemination (1 or 3 ml of semen a week) to investigate the effects of intestinal uptake and immunogenicity of seminal components and of an unrelated antigen, bovine serum albumin (BSA), given simultaneously. For 5 months the treatment was limited to enemas and/or semen, and total immunoglobulins and antisperm and antilymphocyte antibodies were determined. Then, without interruption of the treatments, the animals received two courses of three consecutive daily intrarectal administrations of BSA, and the humoral response was determined 7 days after each course of administration. Only 1 of 18 intrarectally inseminated animals responded with production of antisperm antibodies; none had antilymphocyte antibodies. Total immunoglobulins, however, were significantly increased in animals receiving enemas alone (p less than 0.02) or followed by insemination (p less than 0.05). The humoral response to BSA was significantly (p less than 0.01) enhanced by prior administration of enemas but was moderately reduced by simultaneous administration of semen, in a dose-related fashion.

Enteric infection with an obligate intracellular parasite, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, in an experimental model

“…Although it is questionable whether deterioration of the immune system is the cause or consequence of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, it is undisputable that homosexual men are the most affected by the disease (17,29). Results of previous experimental studies suggested that long-term colonic lavages (43,44) and intrarectal (i.r.) insemination (31,44,45) may selectively predispose the host to immunosuppression.…”

“…Results of previous experimental studies suggested that long-term colonic lavages (43,44) and intrarectal (i.r.) insemination (31,44,45) may selectively predispose the host to immunosuppression. Chronic colonic lavages promoted an increase in the humoral response to soluble (seminal fluid and bovine serum albumin) and particulate (spermatozoa and sonicated sheep erythrocytes) antigens and the production of immune complexes (43)(44)(45).…”

“…insemination (31,44,45) may selectively predispose the host to immunosuppression. Chronic colonic lavages promoted an increase in the humoral response to soluble (seminal fluid and bovine serum albumin) and particulate (spermatozoa and sonicated sheep erythrocytes) antigens and the production of immune complexes (43)(44)(45). The implication is that this kind of manipulation may increase the host susceptibility to sensitization with multiple enteric antigens and to infection with opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms.…”