RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2) in the testes and epididymides of adult male rats and its significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression and localization of cox-2 in the testicle and epididymal tissues of 40 adult male SD rats.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Strong cox-2 immunoreactivity was detected in the epididymides and testes of the rats. In the caput epididymides, cox-2 expressed mainly in the epithelial nuclei and partly in the cytoplasm. Cox-2 was also found positive in the testis nuclei and cytoplasm.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Immunohistochemical staining is a fairly sensitive method for detecting cox-2 expression in the testes and epididymides of adult male rats.</p>