Effect of unilateral obstruction of vas deferens on ipsilateral epididymis of adult albino rats

Epididymis acts as an active contributor toward the formation of fertile ejaculate. Persistent infertility after vasectomy is common. This study aimed to determine the possible histological changes that might occur in the ipsilateral rat epididymal caput secondary to left sided vas deferens ligation. Twenty healthy adult albino rats were equally divided into a control group [I] and vasectomized group [II]. Group I was further subdivided into a nonoperated group Ia and a sham-operated group Ib. The left vas deferens of sham-operated rats [group Ib] was only exposed, whereas in group II, it was ligated and transected. Left epididymal caputs of both groups were extirpated after 8 weeks and were processed for light and electron microscopic examinations. Bax immunoreaction was carried out to detect apoptosis. The diameter and epithelial height of epididymal tubules were determined morphometrically and analyzed statistically. In the vasectomized group, the epithelial lining of some tubules showed discontinuity. Principal and clear cells showed many ultrastructural changes. Many halo cells came in close contact with the lumina and many basal cells were observed. Some tubules contained sperm, exfoliated, and inflammatory cells. Widened interstitium with cellular infiltrations, collagen fibers, and multiple peritubular layers of smooth muscle cells were observed. Tubular epithelial cells showed a positive Bax immunoreaction. The estimated and analyzed epithelial height/diameter of the epididymal tubules showed a highly significant decrease/increase compared with the control group. In conclusion, vasectomy induced epididymal morphological changes with evidence of an inflammatory response. These changes may lead to epithelial dysfunction and consequently improper sperm maturation

Electron microscopic study of the left caput epididymal epithelium of adult albino rats in an experimental left varicocele model

Varicocele is a vascular lesion characterized by dilatation and tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus of the spermatic cord. It is one of the most common causes of male infertility. Most studies have focused on testicular function. Meanwhile, there are limited data in the literature on its impact on the epididymal structure. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an experimental left varicocele on the histological structure of the left caput epididymis of adult albino rats and the cauda epididymal sperm count. Forty adult male albino rats [220-250 g] were randomly allocated to four equal groups. In group I [control group], rats did not undergo any surgical intervention. In group II [sham-operated group], animals underwent sham operation. The rats of groups III and IV underwent partial ligation of the left renal vein to create a varicocele and were sacrificed after 4 weeks and 8 weeks, respectively. Left caput epididymal strips of five rats of each group were harvested and prepared for light and electron microscopic examinations. Sperm samples were obtained from the left cauda epididymides of the remaining animals of each group for sperm count, and the results were statistically analyzed. There was a positive correlation between the sperm count and the duration of varicocele. Group III rats revealed a significantly lower sperm count as compared with the control and sham-operated groups. A significantly greater reduction in the sperm count was found in group IV rats as compared with group III rats. Histologically, varicocele-induced left caput epididymal alterations mainly involved the principal cells. They included cytoplasmic vacuolation and widening of the intercellular spaces in semithin sections of group III rats. Ultrastructurally, increased vesicular and vacuolar contents of the apical cytoplasm along with dilatation of Golgi saccules and rough endoplasmic reticulum were observed. The tubular lumina depicted several retained defective spermatids and spermatozoa with retained cytoplasmic droplets. With an increase in varicocele duration [in group IV], apparent thinning out of the lining epithelium with few stereocilia was observed in semithin sections. Ultrastructurally, the principal cells revealed a relatively dense cytoplasm and rather heterochromatic nuclei. The lumina were bordered with short, sparse microvilli and showed several defective spermatozoa. Experimental left varicocele induces evident histological alterations of the ipsilateral caput epididymis of adult rats and also a reduction in the caudal sperm count, both of which are duration dependent

Túnicas testiculares durante la fase de reposo y actividad sexual del conejo macho (Oryctolagus cuniculus) / Morphology of testes and it´s covers during the phase of rest and sexual activity of the male rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

La domesticación del conejo (Oryctolagus cuniculus), ha permitido el paso de una reproducción de tipo anual a una de tipo no estacional, observándose pariciones durante todo el año. Sin embargo, existen parámetros reproductivos que nos indican que aún existe cierta estacionalidad, por ejemplo, la ubicación testicular, correspondiendo el conejo a un estacional de días largos. El presente estudio analiza la morfología de testículos y epidídimos, comparando la bioestructura de las cubiertas testiculares del conejo macho (Oryctolagus cuniculus), durante los meses de Enero y Septiembre. Para esto, se utilizaron seis conejos machos, tres correspondientes al mes de Enero, y tres al mes de Septiembre. Los ejemplares se encontraban clínicamente sanos y sexualmente maduros, de peso promedio 2,5 kg. Se obtuvieron los testículos junto a sus respectivos sacos escrotales, los que se procesaron mediante técnica histológica corriente y tricrómico. Se consignó el Indice espermatogénico (IE) e índice celular interticial (ICI) según Grocock & Clarke. Durante el mes de Enero, se evidenció una clara disminución de los parámetros reproductivos testiculares, con un IE =3, y un ICI=4. Por el contrario, durante el mes de Septiembre, se observó un IE=5 y ICI=5. La túnica albugínea mostró diferencias de espesor en ambos períodos. Sin embargo, se encontró un gran desarrollo de la musculatura cremastérica en ambas etapas, por lo que se concluye que ésta última no sufre atrofia durante el mes de Enero, atribuible posiblemente, a la criptorquidia facultativa que posee esta especie.

The domestication of the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has allowed the passage of a reproduction of the annual rate to a non-seasonal type, observing calving throughout the year. However, there are reproductive parameters which indicate that there is still some seasonality, for example, testicular position, which corresponds the rabbit to seasonal long days. This study examines the morphology of testes and epididymis, comparing the biostructure of testicular coverings of male rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) during the resting phase and sexual activity. For this, six male rabbits were used, three for the month of January, and three in September. The specimens were clinically healthy, sexually mature, and had an average weight of 2.5 kg. Testes were obtained with their scrotal sacs, which are processed using current histological and trichromic technique. Spermatogenic index and interstitial cell index were recorded according to Grocock & Clarke. During the month of January, it showed a clear decrease in testicular reproductive parameters, with IE = 3, and ICI = 4. By contrast, during the sexual activity it was observed IE = 5 and ICI = 5. During both periods, the albuginea tunic showed no large variations in thickness. Further, there is a great development of the cremasteric muscle in both stages, it was concluded that it does not undergo atrophy during the regression phase, possibly attributable to the voluntary cryptorchidism that this species has.

Seasonal changes in testicular and epididymal histology of the tropical lizard, Tropidurus itambere (Rodrigues, 1987), during its reproductive cycle / Mudanças sazonais na histologia do testículo e epidídimo do lagarto tropical Tropidurus itambere, durante seu ciclo reprodutivo

The reproductive cycles of lizards, including Tropidurus species, have been widely studied. However, few studies describe in detail the ultrastructure and the epithelial changes in the epididymis. Using histology and trasmission electron microscopy, we show the seasonal changes in the testis and epididymis of the lizard Tropidurus itambere, during its annual reproductive cycle. The reproductive cycle of T. itambere was analysed from June 1988 to June 1989 and from June 2001 to June 2002. While the frequency of reproductive males in the population varied throughout the year, there were reproductive males in most months except for February through April. During this nonreproductive period, there is a reduction in the mean seminiferous tubule volume and few sperm were found in both the testis and the epididymis.

O ciclo reprodutivo de alguns lagartos já foi extensamente estudado, incluindo algumas espécies do gênero Tropidurus. Entretanto, poucos estudos mostram os aspectos morfológicos do testículo e epidídimo, durante o ciclo reprodutivo anual, e não existe nenhuma descrição ultraestrutural das variações epiteliais no epidídimo. O presente estudo foi feito para mostrar, através da histologia e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão, detalhes das mudanças sazonais no testículo e epidídimo durante o ciclo reprodutivo anual. Acompanhamos o ciclo de Tropidurus itambere, na floresta atlântica brasileira, durante o período de junho de 2001 a junho de 2002. Os machos variam em sua atividade reprodutiva, mas foram considerados potencialmente reprodutivos na maioria dos meses, à exceção dos meses de fevereiro a abril. Durante este período, ocorreu uma redução no volume médio dos túbulos seminíferos e uma menor quantidade de espermatozóides no testículo e no epidídimo.

Morphological features of the apical region in the principal cells of Mongrel dog epididymis / Características morfológicas de la región apical de las células principales del epidídimo del perro Mongrel

The epithelial principal cells are the predominant cell type of the epididymis. These cells have been shown to be both secretory and endocytic cells. The apical region of the cytoplasm of principal cells in the mongrel dog are located close to the cell apex and tubular lumen, and shown microvilli at the luminal border and present a endocytic apparatus, that consists of coated pits and vesicles, endosomes of varying size, multivesicular bodies, and lysosomes. The endosomes, multivesicular bodies and lysosomes contained the electron-dense patches. These results suggest that principal cells of the epididymis in the dog as possess a highly developed endocytic apparatus play a role in endocytosis. These cells function are similarly to the related in other mammals, in performing endocytosis.

Las células epiteliales principales son el tipo de célula que predominan en el epidídimo. Estas células han demostrado ser secretoras y endocíticas. La región apical del citoplasma de las células principales en el perro Mongrel, se encuentran muy cerca del ápice celular y lumen tubular, mostrando microvellosidades en el límite luminal y un aparato endocítico, el que consiste en depresiones recubiertas y vesículas, endosomas de diversos tamaños, cuerpos multivesiculares y lisosomas. Los endosomas, cuerpos multivesiculares y lisosomas contienen gránulos electrodensos. Estos resultados sugieren que las células principales del epidídimo, en el perro, poseen un aparato endocítico altamente desarrollado que juega un importante rol en la endocitosis. Estas células funcionan de manera similar a la correspondiente en otros mamíferos, en el desempeño de endocitosis.

Study of the effects of the DI-N-butyl phthalate on the adult albino rat epididymis

Phthalate esters are a large group of chemical agents used predominantly as plasticizers and solvents. Di-N-butyl phthalate [DBP,] ester is a commercially important plasticizer and ubiquitou5 environmental contaminant. These compounds are widely used in the daily life as in the production of food containers, packaging, toys, films, hand-bags, bottles printing inks and clothes. Many experimental studies were employed to clarify tile hazardous effects of tile DBP on the male genital tract. These studies were concerned in the effects of prenatal exposure to .DBP as well as during lactation, postnatal and adult life. A total number of 15 adult male albino rats, two months age were used in this work. These animals' were classified into three groups, control that received only olive oil and two experimental groups, first and second, which received 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day respectively of di-n-butyl phthalate dissolved in olive oil for successive 15 days. The specimens were collected, washed fixed in 2.5%cacodylate buffered glutraldihyde solution for one day and prepared for both semithin and ultrathin sectioning techniques. The results of the present work revealed obvious toxic effects of DBP on the duct us epididymis both on the level of light and electron microscopy. The first group showed severe fibrosis of the interductal connective tissue and the surrounding fibrous coat and mild to moderate degenerative changes of the epithelial wail. [The second group revealed severe destructive changes of the component cells of the duct wall in the form of multiple cytoplasmic vaculation, nuclear pykuosis and degenerated cytoplasmic organdies. These results approved a dose-dependent relation-ship of DBP toxicity on the adult rat epididymis and form a warning for humans about the potential hazardous toxic effects of it on their male reproductive tract

Sobre a morfologia dos dúctulos eferentes epididimários no cäo (Canis familiaris, L. ) / On the morphology of the ductuli efferentes in the dog (Canis familiaris, L. )

A estrutura dos dúctulos eferentes no epidídimo do cäo foi estudada através de microscopia óptica. Os dúctulos eferentes conectam a rede testicular com o segmento inicial do epidídimo. Os eferentes epididimários säo revestidos por epitélio baixo do tipo cúbico ou cilíndrico simples, constituído por dois tipos celulares: células ciliadas e näo-ciliadas. As características morfológicas dos eferentes säo discutidas

Fine structure of the boundary tissue of the epididymal duct of the dog: canis familiaris L

El estroma e intersticio del epidídimo del perro se presentaron como un tejido conjuntivo, en el cual se presentan fibras musculares lisas, fibras colágenas, células conjuntivas, predominando fibroblastos, fibrocitos, mastocitos y fibras nerviosas amielínicas. La organización del tejido conjuntivo del conducto epididimario fue comparada con la de otros mamíferos

Ultrastructural study of the coagulating gland epithelium of the rat (Rattus norvegicus) after vasectomy

Las alteraciones morfológicas de la glándula de coagulación de las ratas vasectomizadas, fueron observadas utilizando microscopía de luz y microscopía electrónica de transmisión. Los resultados demostraron disminución en la altura del epitelio secretor. Observaciones ultraestructurales mostraron atrofia de las cisternas del retículo endoplasmático granular

Ultrastructure of epididymal epithelium of the black isogenic mouse

El epitelio de revestimiento del epidídimo del ratón negro isogénico, está constituído por cuatro tipos celulares: células principales, apicales, claras y ricas en mitocondrias. Nuestras observaciones son comparadas con observaciones hechas a nivel del conducto del epidídimo en otros mamíferos. Se discuten las características funcionales de los distintos tipos celulares

Ultra-estrutura do tecido circundante da rede extratesticular e dos dúctulos eferentes no gato (Felis domestica, L.) / Ultrastructure of the boundary tissue of the extratesticular rete and efferent ductules in the cat (Felis domestica, L.)

No gato o tecido circundante ou lâmina própria da rede extratesticular e dos dúctus eferentes é formado por colágeno com disposiçäo lamelar e fibrilar e por células contráteis alongadas. Essas células säo representadas principalmente por fibras musculares lisas e miofibroblastos

Spermatozoon maturation in vertebrates with internal fertilization

La maduración del espermatozoide de los mamíferos ocurre durante su tránsito a través del epidídimo. La maduración comprende una serie de cambios morfológicos y fisiológicos que comprenden la adquisición de la capacidad fertilizante de la gameta. Este proceso de maduración ha sido estudiado principalmente en los mamíferos, pero existen datos que revelan que los pájaros, reptiles y ciertos tipos de peces poseen características similares. El análisis anatómico e histológico del epidídimo de los mamíferos y de los conductos de Wolff de algunos pájaros y reptiles muestra el predominio de un sistema de células secretoras. Las proteínas secretadas por los conductos de los machos parece ser un factor importante en la adquisición de la motilidad del espermatozoide, así como en los cambios que ocurren en la organización molecular de la membrana plasmática. Los cambios que ocurren en la membrana plasmática de los espermatozoides de mamíferos se relacionan con la adquisición de proteínas foráneas (de origen epididimario). Algunos de estos cambios de la membrana parecen conectarse con el fenómeno de capacitación y también con la interacción de las gametas durante la fertilización. El uso de anticuerpos contra las proteínas del conducto de Wolff ha mostrado que los espermatozoides de los pájaros y reptiles también incorporan proteínas durante su pasaje a través de este conducto. Sin embargo, en los pájaros y también en los reptiles, la capacitación no es un prerequisito para fertilizar y algunos son capaces de fertilizar con espermatozoides del testículo. Por consiguiente se plantea la cuestión acerca del real significado de los cambios de maduración en estos vertebrados. Las proteínas adquiridas durante la maduración en tales especies tendrían funciones diferentes a las de los mamíferos, probablemente como apoyo para la sobrevivencia de los espermatozoides durante el transporte en el tracto reproductor femenino, donde as veces son depositados por largo tiempo. Posiblemente un rol similar podrían tener los cambios de superficie en las gametas de los mamíferos cuando están en el tracto reproductor femenino

Sperm association in the rat epididymis

During dissolution of drops obtained by puncture of rat epididymis in distal caput, mid corpus, proximal and distal cauda we observed in the last tworegions the appearance of a new sperm association which we call rosette and the formation in the same two regions of dense clusters of non-motile degenerating spermatozoa already described in the rat was deferens. Rosettesbecome organized in the proximal cauda by head to head sperm contact through a filamentous PAS positive material. By video microscopy was observed thedilution of a dense drop of cauda epididymal content in a balanced salt solution at 36 degrees C. In less than 3 min, rosettes become dispersed intosingle sperm with a display of intense motility which starts immediately after dilution. A glycoprotein with cohesive properties secreted by the epididymal epithelium is postulated as the factor promoting rosette formation. We confirm that dense clusters correspond to degenerating spermatozoa and describe its first appearance in the epididymal proximal cauda with increase in number toward was deferens

Ultra-estrutura do tecido circundante do ducto epididimário do gato (Felis domestica, L.) / Ultrastructure of the boundary tissue of the epididymal duct of the cat (Felis domestica, L.)

Estruturalmente o tecido circundante do ducto epididimário do gato apresenta-se morfologicamente estruturado por lamelas concêntricas de células alongadas claras e escuras; células musculares lisas e colágeno fibrilar/lamelar. Esse tecido forma a lâmina própria ductular e o interstício do epidídimo. Sua organizaçäo é mais complexa ao redor do ducto epididimário nos segmentos médio e distal que no segmento proximal. A organizaçäo ultra-estrutural total do tecido periepididimário do gato é aqui descrita

Características citoquímicas e ultraestruturais do epitélio de revestimento na parte distal do epidídimo do hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) / Cytochemical and ultraestructural characteristics of the lining epithelium in the terminal segment of the hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) epididymidis

Na parte distal do epidídimo (Cauda epididymidis) do hamster champanha notou-se alguma evidência de secreçäo protêica merócrina ao nível das células principais e evidências de secreçäo granular presumivelmente de glicoproteínas, nas células colunares claras, no epitélio de revestimento ductular. As reatividades celulares ao PAS e para a detecçäo de proteínas totais (Reaçäo de Millon), em ambos os tipos celulares, mas com especial ênfase nas células claras, säo sugestivas da presença de síntese e secreçäo de complexos de glicosaminoglicanas e proteínas, que do epitélio passa ao lumén do ducto o seu conteúdo. Um complexo microvacuolar-vesicular, aparentemente formado à partir do complexo de Golgi, é observado nas células principais. Foi sugerido que este complexo poderia representar pequenos vacúolos e vesículas de secreçäo merócrina, nestas células. Gränulos elétro-densos säo observados em todo o citoplasma das células claras, com correspondência a grânulos semelhantes e PAS-positivos observados nestas células, â microscopia de luz. Estes grânulos säo efetivamente secretados para o lúmen do ducto, pelo citoplasma apical das células claras nas observaçöes ta resoluçäo de microscopia de pinocitose bem como pela presença de corpos multivesiculares, de morfologia subcelular típica, ou pela observaçäo de grandes vacúolos supranucleares, com membranas limitantes, presumivelmente um outro tipo de corpos multivesiculares de conteúdo grandemente hidratado

Epididymal transit and morphology of the hamster sperm head

Los cambios que experimenta la cabeza del espermatozoide de hamster durante su tránsito por el epidídimo fueron analizados con técnicas morfológicas, de criofractura y morfométricas. Desde el punto de vista morfológico se comprueba una modificación del ángulo formado por el acrosoma y la región postacrosomal que de recto en espermatozoides del caput pasa a obtuso en espermatozoides de cauda. En cuanto a la criofractura se estudió la distribución de las partículas intramembranosas en la membrana plamática (IMPS). Se describe una disposición regular de las IMPS formando una trama hexagonal en el borde convexo del acrosoma. Esta trama está presente en espermatozoides extraídos del caput y no se observa en los extraídos de la región caudal del epidídimo. La región postacrosomal revela dos cambios notables: la presencia de una corona de barras adyacentes al cuello y formada por IMPS de 10 nm en espermatozoides del caput que se desorganiza en espermatozoides extraídos del epidídimo caudal y el incremento en estos del número de IMPS de 10 nm dispersas por toda la región postacrosomal. Postulamos que el aumento de IMPS en la región postacrosomal se relaciona con la incorporación de glicoproteínas secretadas por epidídimo como factor (es) de maduración y reconocimiento intergamético

Ultraestrutura do segmento terminal do epidídimo no gato (Felis domestica) / Fine structure of the terminal segment of the epididymis in the cat

O segmento terminal do epidídimo no gato em parte é estruturalmente diferente do correspondente segmento de alguns mamíferos eutérios, no concernente à morfologia do revestimento celular epitelial do ducto. Este é formado por células principais, basais, apicais; leucócitos mononucleares intraepiteliais e caracteristicamente células delgadas, um tipo celular mais freqüentemente observado no segmento inicial do ducto. A estrutura subcelular dos diferentes tipos celulares é descrita e a citofisiologia discutida com as observaçöes feitas em outras espécies. Também é descrita a estruturaçäo do estroma conjuntivo periductular