Anti-sperm antibodies and seminal characteristics in dogs with testicular biopsy and epididymal aspiration

ABSTRACT

This study was done to examine the effect of two diagnostic procedures, testicular biopsy and epididymal aspiration, on the production of sperm bound antisperm antibodies [ASA] and semen parameters. The assessment of auto-antisperm antibodies was performed by the fluorescence activated cell sorting [FACS] machine after preincubation of sperm cells with labeled anti-dog IgG. The results showed that ASA was detected on the sperm cells 15-22 days after biopsy and 47 days after HC in a dog with EA. The production of ASA was seen only in treated dog. It was concluded that both procedures led to production of auto-antisperm antibodies on the sperm cells of treated dogs which might affect male fertility even for a period of time. Thus, monitoring and following up of male fertility after performing such procedures should be taken in consideration