Antigenicity of Guinea Pig Testicular Cells grown in Cell Culture as determined by the Isolated Ileum Technique

Abstract

I HAVE previously recorded experiments relating to the antigenicity of testicular tissue and of sperm as well as extracts thereof¹. For many reasons, for example to facilitate identification of spermatogenic tissue antigens and to elucidate the mechanism(s) of cell destruction occurring in immunologically induced aspermatogenesis, it was important to have replicating cell cultures of testicular tissue. Replication, rather than mere maintenance, of testicular cells in culture has recently been accomplished, and the results will be published in extenso elsewhere. The attainment of this goal imposed the requirement of demonstrating that spermatogenic cells grown in culture continue to synthesize antigens that are present in the germinal epithelium of the testicle in vivo. Among such antigens are those capable of: (1) eliciting anaphylactic contracture of sensitized ilea; (2) inducing aspermatogenesis; (3) provoking the production of humoral antibody. We have found that replicating guinea pig cells carried in culture for more than 2 months are capable of causing anaphylactic contracture of sensitized ilea and can also be used to sensitize guinea pigs.