Expression of histoincompatibility antigens during spermatogenesis in the rat.

The expression of the AgB-SB and -LD (Ia-like) antigens on spermatogenic cells has been investigated by using a protein A-containing Staphylococcus Cowan I rosetting assay. The results show that the Ia-like antigens are present on all spermatogenic cells although the relative expression seems to decrease slightly concomitant with the differentiation. The AgB-SD antigens are detected on spermatogenia, leptotene, and zygotene spermatocytes but not on later developmental stages.