The structure and function of the epididymis. 2. The histogenesis of the rat epididymis.

1959 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
BL Reid
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Ciliated Cells ◽  
Efferent Duct ◽  
White Rats ◽  
Efferent Ducts ◽  
Caudal Portion ◽  
Rat Epididymis ◽  
Nuclear Differentiation ◽  
And Function ◽  
Epididymal Duct

Observations were made on the epididymides of young white rats of the following ages: 3, 21, 28, 32, 37, 39, 56, 72, 96, 110 days. Both efferent ducts and epididymal duct are undifferentiated at 21 days with a similar cuboidal epithelium. The connective tissue coat of the efferent ducts is one cell thick whereas that of the epididymal duct is two or three cells thick. The possible involvement of the connective tissue in the process of histogenesis is discussed. Differentiation within the epididymal duct commences at 28 days when the epithelium in the cephalic portion is tall and that in the caudal portion of the head and remainder of the tail is tall with isolated segments of low columnar epithelium. The latter epithelium is associated with a wider lumen which evidently becomes continuous down the duct. In the efferent ducts at this stage ciliated cells have appeared. Differentiation of the cephalic portion of the head is completed rapidly by the 37th day but that of the caudal portion of the head and tail of the organ is completed only at the 96th day. In certain zones, histodifferentiation is accompanied by obvious nuclear differentiation. Spermatozoa first appear in the testis at 56 days but do not enter and fill the epididymal ducts until 72 days. There is evidence of an outflow of fluid from the testis which carries spermatocytes and spermatids into the duct at 32 days. The changes in the epithelium of the efferent duct, the epididymis, and the deferent duct from the 3rd to the 110th day are tabulated.

The structure and fuction of the Epididymis. 1. The histology of the Rat Epididymis.

1957 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 223 ◽  
Author(s):  
KW Cleland
Keyword(s):  
Unit Volume ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Histological Techniques ◽  
Principal Cells ◽  
White Rats ◽  
Efferent Ducts ◽  
Rat Epididymis ◽  
Histological Characteristics ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Epididymal Duct

Epididymides from six white rats have been examined by standard histological techniques. The epididymis, consisting of rete, efferent ducts, and epididymal duct possesses an epithelium containing six cell types-principal, basal, ciliated, apical, halo, and clear cells-each of which is described. Cytoplasmic differences in the principal cells permit two zones to be recognized in the efferent ducts. The principal cells along the length of the epididymal duct vary in a number of features such as: height, depth and distribution of staining, the incidence, size, and intracellular distribution of vacuoles, the shape of the nuclei, and the distribution of chromatin within them. Such differences permit definition of six major zones, some of which may be further subdivided. Variations in the histological characteristics of the various zones in different individuals have been described. These zones have been related to the usual anatomical divisions of head, isthmus, and tail. The lumen of the epididymis contains spermatids and their breakdown products in addition to spermatozoa. The latter vary in density (number per unit volume), and in their arrangement with respect to one another, in the various zones of the efferent epididymal ducts. The implications of these histological findings in the physiology of the epididymis are discussed.

DISTRIBUTION OF TESTOSTERONE AND 5α-DIHYDRO-TESTOSTERONE IN RAT EPIDIDYMIS AND THEIR CONCENTRATIONS IN EFFERENT DUCT FLUID

1975 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. T. M. VREEBURG
Keyword(s):  
Distal Portion ◽  
Proximal Portion ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Distal Half ◽  
Efferent Duct ◽  
Proximal Half ◽  
Efferent Ducts ◽  
Rat Epididymis ◽  
Epididymal Fluid ◽  
Clear Change

SUMMARY 5α-Dihydrotestosterone concentrations were found to be appreciably higher in the proximal portion of the rat epididymis than in the distal portion. Following ligation of the efferent ducts of a testis, the 5α-dihydrotestosterone concentration diminished in the proximal half but not in the distal half of the epididymis. Epididymal fluid and spermatozoa were washed out from minces of epididymal tissue. The numbers of spermatozoa present in the wash fluid and in the homogenate of washed minces of epididymal tissue were used as measures for the amounts of epididymal fluid present in these fractions. Of the total amount of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (30·2 ng/g tissue) in the proximal portion, 20·5 ng were localized in the epididymal fluid, whereas of the total amount of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (8·6 ng/g tissue) in the distal portion, 2·8 ng were found in the epididymal fluid. The amounts of testosterone present in the fluids of both proximal and distal portions were 1–2 ng/g tissue. In contrast to the epididymal fluid, efferent duct fluid had a high concentration of testosterone (28·8 ng/ml) and a low concentration of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (1·9 ng/ml). These data suggest that the fluid surrounding the spermatozoa in the testis and the epididymis contains a high concentration of androgen and that as the fluid moves from the testis to the epididymis there is a clear change in the ratio of testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone.

scholarly journals Reduced endogenous estrogen delays epididymal development but has no effect on efferent duct morphology in boars

Reproduction ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 134 (4) ◽  
pp. 593-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher A Pearl ◽  
Eeman At-Taras ◽  
Trish Berger ◽  
Janet F Roser
Keyword(s):  
Steroid Receptor ◽  
Estrogen Receptor Α ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Morphological Development ◽  
Fluid Reabsorption ◽  
Efferent Duct ◽  
Efferent Ducts ◽  
Endogenous Estrogen ◽  
And Function ◽  
Steroid Receptor Expression

The study presented herein was designed to test the hypothesis that reduced endogenous estrogen in the boar alters efferent duct morphology, epididymal morphology, and steroid receptor expression. Twenty-eight littermate pairs of boars were treated with Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, or with vehicle from 1 week of age until castration at 2 through 8 months. Efferent ducts and epididymides were examined for morphological development and steroid receptor expression. Efferent duct morphology was not different between control and Letrozole-treated animals at any examined age. Androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor α (ERα), and β (ERβ) were expressed in the epithelial cells of the efferent ducts at all ages; expression was similar in control and treated animals. Morphological development of the caput and corpus was delayed in Letrozole-treated animals, but this delay was transient since morphology was similar between control and treated animals at 8 months. The cauda did not show a delay in development, but was more developed in treated animals at 2 months. AR, ERα, and ERβ were expressed in all three epididymal regions; no difference was observed between control and treated animals. In summary, estrogen appears to be important for development of the epididymis; however, the cauda may be regulated differently than the caput and corpus. Results for the efferent ducts suggest that the normally high endogenous estrogens are not required for regulation of fluid reabsorption in the boar. It also suggests that any ER activation required for maintenance of efferent duct morphology and function is normal in Letrozole-treated boars.

Targeted deletion of the ATP binding domain of left-right dynein confirms its role in specifying development of left-right asymmetries

Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 5495-5504 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.M. Supp ◽  
M. Brueckner ◽  
M.R. Kuehn ◽  
D.P. Witte ◽  
L.A. Lowe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Function ◽  
Single Amino Acid ◽  
Atp Binding ◽  
Amino Acid Difference ◽  
Sequence Classification ◽  
Ciliated Cells ◽  
Targeted Deletion ◽  
Targeted Mutation ◽  
And Function ◽  
Shed Light

Vertebrates develop distinct asymmetries along the left-right axis, which are consistently aligned with the anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes. The mechanisms that direct this handed development of left-right asymmetries have been elusive, but recent studies of mutations that affect left-right development have shed light on the molecules involved. One molecule implicated in left-right specification is left-right dynein (LRD), a microtubule-based motor protein. In the LRD protein of the inversus viscerum (iv) mouse, there is a single amino acid difference at a conserved position, and the lrd gene is one of many genes deleted in the legless (lgl) mutation. Both iv and lgl mice display randomized left-right development. Here we extend the analysis of the lrd gene at the levels of sequence, expression and function. The complete coding sequence of the lrd gene confirms its classification as an axonemal, or ciliary, dynein. Expression of lrd in the node at embryonic day 7.5 is shown to be symmetric. At embryonic day 8.0, however, a striking asymmetric expression pattern is observed in all three germ layers of the developing headfold, suggesting roles in both the establishment and maintenance of left-right asymmetries. At later times, expression of lrd is also observed in the developing floorplate, gut and limbs. These results suggest function for LRD protein in both ciliated and non-ciliated cells, despite its sequence classification as axonemal. In addition, a targeted mutation of lrd was generated that deletes the part of the protein required for ATP binding, and hence motor function. The resulting left-right phenotype, randomization of laterality, is identical to that of iv and lgl mutants. Gross defects in ciliary structure were not observed in lrd/lrd mutants. Strikingly, however, the monocilia on mutant embryonic node cells were immotile. These results prove the identity of the iv and lrd genes. Further, they argue that LRD motor function, and resulting nodal monocilia movement, are required for normal left-right development.

GPER1 in sand rat epididymis: Effects of seasonal variations, castration and efferent ducts ligation

2017 ◽  
Vol 183 ◽  
pp. 9-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafik Menad ◽  
Meriem Fernini ◽  
Souaâd Smaï ◽  
Xavier Bonnet ◽  
Thérèse Gernigon-Spychalowicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Sand Rat ◽  
Efferent Ducts ◽  
Rat Epididymis

To the doctrine of the intravital coloration of the reticuloendothelial system in experimental animals

1930 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 438-438
Author(s):  
L. I. Vilensky
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Reticuloendothelial System ◽  
The Body ◽  
Experimental Animals ◽  
White Rats ◽  
Medical Societies ◽  
Physiological Properties ◽  
Reticulo Endothelial System

Meetings of medical societies. Society of Physicians at Kazan University. General Sessions Session 4 March 1930 L.I. Vilensky. Towards the doctrine of the intravital coloration of the reticuloendothelial system in experimental animals. On the basis of a study of 267 animals of various species (rabbits, rats, pigs, white mice, white rats and dogs) the vivo coloring of trypanblau, pyrrholblau, carmine and collargol, the author comes to the following conclusions: 1) All active cellular elements of the indifferent connective tissue that has retained the embryonic properties of the mesenchyme. 2) Teaching-Aschoff's, in the light of intravital coloration, should be expanded, as the teaching of an active mesenchyme, scattered throughout the body, but united by common physiological properties. 3) The process of gradual absorption of colloidal paint in individual elements of the reticulo-endothelial system has a certain pattern, which is exactly the same in different animals.

scholarly journals Muscles of mice deficient in α-sarcoglycan maintain large masses and near control force values throughout the life span

2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 244-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina M. Consolino ◽  
Franck Duclos ◽  
Jane Lee ◽  
Roger A. Williamson ◽  
Kevin P. Campbell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Null Mouse ◽  
Control Force ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Muscle Structure ◽  
And Function

α-Sarcoglycan-deficient ( Sgca-null) mice provide potential for elucidating the pathogenesis of limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2D (LGMD 2D) as well as for studying the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies. Skeletal muscles of Sgca-null mice demonstrate an early onset of extensive fiber necrosis, degeneration, and regeneration, but the progression of the pathology and the effects on muscle structure and function throughout the life span are not known. Thus the phenotypic accuracy of the Sgca-null mouse as a model of LGMD 2D has not been fully established. To investigate skeletal muscle structure and function in the absence of α-sarcoglycan throughout the life span, we analyzed extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles of male and female Sgca-null and wild-type mice at 3, 6, 12, and 18 mo of age. Maximum isometric forces and powers were measured in vitro at 25°C. Also determined were individual myofiber cross-sectional areas and numbers, water content, and the proportion of the cross section occupied by connective tissue. Muscle masses were 40–100% larger for Sgca-null compared with age- and gender-matched wild-type mice, with the majority of the increased muscle mass for Sgca-null mice attributable to greater connective tissue and water contents. Although the greater mass of muscles in Sgca-null mice was primarily noncontractile material, absolute forces and powers were maintained near control levels at all ages, indicating a successful adaptation to the deficiency in α-sarcoglycan not observed at any age in LGMD 2D patients.

scholarly journals Localization of acid phosphatase activity in the testis of two teleostean species (Oreochromis niloticus and Odonthestes perugiae)

2004 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 853-858 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Porawski ◽  
G. F. Wassermann ◽  
M. Achaval
Keyword(s):  
Acid Phosphatase ◽  
Phosphatase Activity ◽  
Annual Cycle ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Oreochromis Niloticus ◽  
Acid Phosphatase Activity ◽  
Enzymatic Reaction ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Efferent Duct ◽  
Efferent Ducts

Acid phosphatase (AcP) activity was investigated in the testes of two species of teleosts in two seasons: summer and winter. AcP activity was detected in Sertoli cells from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) only during the nonreproductive period of its annual cycle, corresponding to the winter months. In kingfish (Odonthestes perugiae), the enzymatic reaction was identified during the non-reproductive period (summer) in epithelial cells of the efferent ducts but not in Sertoli cells. These data suggest that the enzyme is involved in the absorption of residual spermatid cytoplasm and as well as in the removal of spermatozoa remaining after the reproductive period. In kingfish, this heterophagous function is carried out by the efferent duct cells and not by Sertoli cells.

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