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Histochemical localization of glycosidases in dog epididymis

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The histochemical localization of five glycosidases was studied in the epididymis of mature dogs. β-Galactosidase showed a distinct to strong reaction in the epithelium of the ductuli efferentes and throughout the whole length of the ductus epididymidis. β-N-Acetylglucosaminidase reactivity was weak in the initial segment, but increased significantly in the middle and terminal segment. The maximum β-glucuronidase activity was found in the ductuli efferentes and in the initial segment. The α-mannosidase reaction was weak in all segments except the middle segment where a distinct activity was seen. With the method employed, no α-fucosidase activity could be detected. The physiological role of the glycosidases in the epididymis is discussed briefly.

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Sinowatz, F., Fischer, M., Skolek-Winnisch, R. et al. Histochemical localization of glycosidases in dog epididymis. Histochem J 11, 103–109 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01041269

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