Includes bibliographical references (leaves 343-403) / xiii, 403 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Examines the immune priviledged status of the testis, and the likely mechanisms involved in providing this priviledged status. Some new concepts on the possible mechanisms that afford an immunologically protected environment in the rodent testis are presented. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Animal Sciences, 1987