- From biological background to recent research data on testicular autoimmunity
- Covers not only the autopsy and biopsy data for humans, but also experimental data using model animals
- Describes new murine models of autoimmune orchitis
It has long been suspected that testicular autoimmunity could be one of the causes of idiopathic male infertility. However, it is very difficult to estimate the incidence of testicular autoimmunity in men, as most male patients first realize they are infertile when they start trying to conceive a child, and there is a possibility that their testes may already exhibit the end stage of testicular autoimmunity, in which lymphocytic inflammation and immunoglobulin deposition in their testes subsided long ago and only the spermatogenic disorder remains. Therefore, autopsy or biopsy for testicular tissues in men before the end stage of testicular autoimmunity and investigations using testicular autoimmunity model animals are needed to determine the epidemiology of testicular autoimmunity.
In this book, the author discusses “the immunological fragility of testis,” reviewing the autopsy data in men and presenting experimental data using murine models of autoimmune orchitis that has been induced by immunizing with viable syngeneic testicular germ cells alone. Testicular autoimmunity in animals is also discussed. In summary, the book provides useful information not only to researchers who are interested in immunologic male infertility, but to clinical professionals who treat these patients at hospitals.
Table of Contents- Microcircumstance for Induction and Prevention of Testicular Autoimmunity
- Human Testicular Autoimmunity as a Result of Breakdown of Testicular Immune Privilege
- Testicular Autoimmunity by Immunization with Testicular Antigens Alone in Experimental Animals
- Testicular Autoimmunity by the Systemic Treatment with Immuno-Potentiating Agents in Experimental Animals
- Testicular Autoimmunity by Local Injury of the Testis in Experimental Animals
- Testicular Autoimmunity by Alteration of the Immune System in Experimental Animals
- The Future Directions of Testicular Autoimmunity Investigation
