Ultrastructure of the epithelium lining of cauda epididymidis in mongrel dogs / Ultraestrutura do epitélio de revestimento da cauda epididimária em cães sem raça definida

The epithelium lining of cauda epididymidis in mongrel dogs was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The epididymal epithelium is pseudostratified with stereocilia and is composed predominantly of principal and clear cells. Therefore, exist basal and apical cells. The principal and clear cells show features suggesting that they may be preferentially involved in absorptive and secretive functions. These results are compared with previously published data on the cauda epididymidis of other mammalian species, in order to understand the significance of the epididymis in sperm maturation.(AU)

O epitélio de revestimento da cauda epididimária em cães sem raça definida foi examinado através da microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. O epitélio epididimário é pseudoestratificado com estereocílios na borda luminal e é composto principalmente por células principais e claras. Além destes tipos, foi observado algumas células basais e apicais. As células principais e claras apresentaram características ultra-estruturais que sugerem que as mesmas estão envolvidas com funções absortivas e secretórias. Os resultados foram comparados com estudos prévios realizados na cauda do ducto epididimário de outros mamíferos, com o objetivo de melhor entender o papel do epidídimo na maturação espermática.(AU)

The Effect of Vasectomy on the Absorptive Function of the Cauda Epididymis in Rats / 대한비뇨기과학회지

It has been shown that spermatogenesis continues after vasectomy, but the fate of sperms which seem to be continuously produced is still uncertain. Some authors postulated that non-ejaculated spermatozoa after vasectomy disappear by a progress of dissolution and reabsorption in the epididymis. According to Ryoo and Kim's observation of sperm-acrosome by electron microscope after vasectomy in rats, vasectomy might effect destructive changes in the acrosome of the non-ejaculated spermatozoa. Choi and Kim reported that the seminal vesicle might produce a certain substance which enhance the spermatozoa to be dissolved and reabsorbed in the epididymis after vasectomy. To observe the effects of vasectomy on the absorptive function of the epididymis in vasectomized rats, we measured the time for the disappearance of 0.01cc indigo carmine which was injected into the cauda epididymis. The results are as follows: 1. The mean absorptive time in the normal group was 371+/-75.7 min. 2. The mean absorptive time in the vasectomized group was 257.4+/-28.6 min. 3. The absorptive activity in the epididymis of vasectomized rats was significantly more rapid than in the epididymis of the normal rats.