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Journal of Andrology, Vol 1, Issue 1 40-50, Copyright © 1980 by The American Society of Andrology

A Comparison of Blood Chemistry, Reproductive Hormones, and the Development of Antisperm Antibodies After Vasectomy in Men

N. J. ALEXANDER 1, M. J. FREE 2, C. ALVIN PAULSEN 3, R. BUSCHBOM 2, AND D. L. FULGHAM 1

1 Department of Reproductive Physiology, Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon
2 Medical Sciences Section, Biology Department, Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Richland, Washington
3 University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

Serum chemistry parameters as well as levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and spermimmobilizing and sperm-agglutinating antibodies were measured prior to vasectomy and at 1.5, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months afterwards in 99 men. We did not, however, acquire a sample from every man for every point in time. Since the development of antibodies to sperm is a well-documented change that occurs in about half of vasectomized individuals, we investigated whether men who develop circulating antibodies exhibit any changes in serum chemistry and/or hormone levels when compared to those who do not. Although no men had antisperm antibodies at the time of vasectomy, 40.5% of the study population subsequently developed them. The number of men with circulating antisperm antibodies increased significantly for the first 3 to 6 months and then remained stable for the remainder of the study period. Some individuals had only agglutinating or immobilizing antibodies, but more commonly both types were found. The group of men who exhibited early antibody formation may have had slightly higher mean counts of spermatozoa before vasectomy, but there was no difference in counts between those men who never exhibited antisperm antibodies and those that did. Furthermore, there was no difference in ages between those that did and did not exhibit antibodies to sperm. All blood values were within the normal range. Values for FSH were consistently, albeit slightly, lower for those individuals who developed circulating antisperm antibodies. No differences were found in LH and testosterone levels.

     Key words: vasectomy, antibody response, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone

Submitted on June 1, 1979
Revised on August 8, 1979
Accepted on August 17, 1979






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Copyright © 1980 by The American Society of Andrology.