RESUMO
The structural and functional integrity of the vas deferens and its role in ensuring the fertilizing ability, viability of spermatozoa and their survival in the vas deferens, are elucidated. The regulation of the function of the vas deferens and the differential androgen dependency of its two regions have been discussed in relation to its secretory and absorptive activities as well as its contractility. The importance of ascorbic acid in maintaining its functions has also been investigated. The potentiality of the use of an androgen antagonist, steroids (testosterone, estradiol benzoate), prostaglandins, copper devices, vasectomy, vasocclusive agents, effects of nutr itional deficiencies, human chorionic gonadotropin-antiserum and plant products as antifertility agents have been discussed.
RESUMO
The contractile pattern of the vas deferens in three different rodents, rat, guinea pig and mouse was studied in response to adrenaline and noradrenaline. The left vas deferens of rat was more responsive to the graded doses of adrenaline and noradrenaline than the right. The same was also true for guinea pig and mouse vas deferens. This differential response has been correlated with the greater concentrations of calcium and sodium in the right vas deferens in rats and guinea pigs and it might also be related to the levels of membrane-bound and intracellular calmodulin-bound calcium. It is suggested that the left vas deferens might possess more calmodulin-bound calcium than the right, which might have instead, more membrane-bound calcium.