[Allergic orchitis in animals caused by streptococcal sensitization].

Guinea pigs and mice develop orchitis after immunization with killed streptococcus groups A (type 12) cells in complete adjuvant. In guinea pigs the process is characterized by the atrophy of spermatogenous epithelium of the testicles, and in mice by the disappearance of mature spermia from convoluted seminiferous tubules. Globulin fixed on spermia was detected in testicles of the immunized mice. Guinea pigs and mouse sera contained antibodies reacting with spermatid and spermatozoid structures of normal testicles. Immunized guinea pigs showed positive reactions of blast-transformation of lymphocytes and skin reactions of the delayed type to testicle antigens. The development of orchitis in guinea pigs and mice correlates in time with the appearance of antibodies and the development of the delayed type hyperseusitivity to the testicle antigens.