As a result of vasectomy, spermatozoa are confined to the epididymis and
vas deferens, where they degenerate, releasing antigens that enter the
circulation or are engulfed by macrophages. Multiple antigens of the sperm
can elicit production of autoantibodies; circulating anti-sperm antibodies
are found in a large percentage of vasectomized men, indicating the
immunogenicity of the sperm.
The increased prevalence of macrophages in the liomen of the rhesus
monkey testicular efferent ducts after vasectomy led to further study of
this region. Frozen sections were used for evaluation of immunopathological
status by fluorescence microscopy with fluorescein-conjugated antibody.
Subsequent granular deposits of immune complexes were revealed by positive
immunofluorescence staining for complement. The immune complex deposition in
the basement membrane surrounding the efferent ducts implies that this
region is involved in antigen leakage (Fig. 1).