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Natural Auto and Homoio Spermotoxins in Guinea-Pig Serum

Department of Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

Abstract

We have found in the serum of normal untreated guinea pigs substances which in vitro are toxic for the spermatozoa of the same animals from which the serum was obtained as well as for other individuals of the same species, although no demonstrable injury to these cells is evident under normal conditions in the body.

Hetero immune spermotoxins on the other hand are well known and have been studied by a number of investigators. Landsteiner (1) pointed out that if guinea pigs are immunized against ox spermatozoa their serum acquires the property of rapidly immobilizing them. Metchnikoff (2) confirmed this work. Moxter believed that spermotoxins were not specific. Errors in his work, however, were pointed out by Metchnikoff, who claimed specificity for these spermotoxins. Metalnikoff (3) further substantiated the specificity of spermotoxins. This author also called attention to the existence of natural spermotoxins in the serum of rabbits for the spermatozoa of guinea pigs.