Immunologic aspect of testicular torsion: Detection of antisperm antibodies in contralateral testicle

Objective: To evaluate the immunologic etiology in unilateral testicular to rsion, an experimental study in rats was carried out. Materials and Methods : 75 adult Wistar rats included in the study program were divided into six different groups according to a torsion-detorsion procedure. Torsion degree was kept constant for all animals (720 degrees). Anti-rat immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against spermatozoa antigens were identified in contralat eral testicular tissue after 1 month following detorsion and/or orchiectomy of the twisted testicle. Results: We revealed antibody formation in animal s subjected to unilateral torsion for 12 and 24 h, which then followed by d etorsion of the testicle, IgG was identified especially on basal membrane o f the tubules. Conclusions: As the controversy on the exact mechanism of te sticular dam age in unilateral torsion still continues, our findings showed that a possible immunological etiology may play an important role in this respect. Copyright (C) 1999 S. Karger AG, Basel.