Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Ultrastructure of Epididymis in Normal and Experimental Animals; Rat and Bonnet Monkey (Macaca radiata)

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Ultrastructural Investigations on the Pituitary-Gonadal Axis

  • 51 Accesses

Abstract

The role of epididymis in the secretion of fluid and ions and the relevance of these to sperm maturation have been supported by the findings of the task force (Wong 1989). Various studies suggest that DMPA and TE treatment induce azoospermia or oligospermia in human beings and animals (Nieschlag et al. 1989; WHO report 1991 & Rao and Roy 1993), and the residual sperms are found to be functionally impaired when tested by hamster oocyte penetration method because of defective metabolism, alteration in morphology, viability and acrosome integrity within the epididymis (Rao and Roy 1993). The present study is aimed to observe the alteration in the ultrastructure and biochemical environment of the different regions of the epididymis following treatment.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abe K, Takano H, Ito T (1982) Response of epididymal duct in corpus epididymis to efferent or epididymal duct ligation in the mouse. J Reprod Fertil 64:69–72

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aggarwal Y, Partulla TV (1987) Effect of secretory bovine seminal vesicle secretion, sperm motility and acrosome reaction. J Reprod Fertil 79:409–419

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bose TK, Prasad MRN, Moudgal NR (1975) Ind J Exp Biol 13:8

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brook DR (1979) Biochemical environment of sperm maturation. In: Fawcett DW, Bedford JM (eds) The spermatozoa. Urban & Sehwarzenberg, Baltimore, pp 23–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Brooke DE, Higgins SJ (1980) Characterization and androgen dependence of proteins associated with luminal fluid and spermatozoa in the rat epididymis. J Reprod Fertil 59:363–375

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burgos MH (1964) Uptake of colloidal particles by cells of the caput epididymidis. Anat Rec 148:517525

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carlos A, Quian S, Jelesoff N, Byers SW (1992) Lysosomal integral membrane proteins exhibit region and cell type specific distribution in the epididymis of the adult rat. Anat Record 232:85–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Danza BJ, Orgebin Crist MC (1974) Androgen regulation of epididymal function. In: Sperm transport, survival and fertility ability in vertebrates. E. S. E. and C. Thibault Inserm, Paris, pp 61–87

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis BK (1978) Inhibition of fertilizing capacity in mammalian spermatozoa by natural and synthetic vesicles. In: Symposium on the pharmacological effects of lipids: monograph 5. AOCS, Champaign II, pp 145–158

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis BK, Mungund BJ (1976) Effect of modified vesicles from seminal plasma on the fertilizing capacity of rabbit spermatozoa. Biochem Biophy Res Commun 64:1004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dawson RMCT, Rowland IW (1959) Glyceryl phosphorylcholine in the male reproductive organs of rats and Guinea pig. O J Exp Physiol 44:26–34

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fawcett DW, Heffer AP (1979) Failure of exogenous androgen to prevent regression of the initial segment of the rat epididymis after efferent duct ligation or orchidectomy. Biol Reprod 20:162–181

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Flickinger CJ (1979) Synthesis transport and secretion of protein in the initial segment of the mouse epididymis as studied by electron microscope radio- autography. Biol Reprod 20:1015–1030

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Flickinger CJ, Herr JC, Sisak JR, Howards SS (1993) Ultrastructure of Epididymal interstitial reaction following vasectomy and vasovasostomy. Anat Rec 235:61–73

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fogh M, Corker CS, Hunter WM, McLean H, Philip J, Schou G, Skakkebak NE (1979) The effects of low doses of cyproterone acetate on some functions of the reproductive system in normal men. Acta Endocrinol 91:545–552

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fornes MW, Rosas D, Juan C (1991) Interaction between rat epididymal epithelium and spermatozoa. Anat Record 231:193–200

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Glover TD, Nicander L (1971) Some aspects of structure and function in the mammalian epididymis. J Reprod Fertil 13:39

    Google Scholar 

  • Goyal HO (1983) Histoquantitative effects of orchidectomy with and without testosterone enanthate treatment on the bovine epididymis. Am J Vet Res 44:1085–1090

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goyal HO (1985) Morphology of bovine epididymis. Am J Anat 172:155–172

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goyal H.O. (1991)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gupta G, Rajalakshmi M, Prasad MRN (1974b) Regional difference in androgen threshold of epididymis of castrated rats. Steroid 24:55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta G, Rajalakshmi M, Prasad MRN, Moudgal NR (1974a) Effects of antiserum to luteinizing hormone (LHAS) on the physiology of epididymis and accessory glands of albino rats. Contraception 10:491

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton DW (1971) Steroid function in the mammalian epididymis. J Reprod Fertil 13:89–97

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton DW (1975) Structure and function of the epithelium lining the ductus efferentes, ductus epididymis, ductus deference in the rat. In: Hamilton DW, Greep RO (eds) Handbook of physiology, section 7, Vol. 5. American Physiological Society, Washington, pp 259–301

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton DW, Jones AL, Fawcett DW (1969) Cholesterol biosynthesis in the mouse epididymis and ductus deference. A biochemical and morphological study. Biol Reprod 1:167–184

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hammerstein J (1974) Quoted from Roy et al. (1976). Contraception 14(4):403–420

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansson V, Djoseland O, Reusch E, Attramadal A, Torgersen O (1973) An androgen binding protein in the testis cytosol fraction of adult rats. Comparison with the androgen binding protein in the epididymis. Steroids 21:457–474

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hansson V, Trygstad O, French FS, McLean WS, Smith AA, Tindall DJ, Weddington SC, Petrusz P, Nayfeh SN, Ritzen KM (1974) Androgen transport and receptor mechanisms in testis and epididymis. Nature (London) 250:387–391

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hermo L, Wright J, Oko R, Morales CR (1991a) Role of epithelial cells of the male excurrent duct system of the rat in the endocytosis or secretion of sulfated glycoprotein. Biol Reprod 44:1113–1131

    Google Scholar 

  • Hermo L, Green H, Clermont I (1991b) Golgi apparatus of epithelial principal cells of the Epididymal initial segment of the rat: structure relationship with endoplasmic reticulum and role in the formation of secretory vesicle. Anat Record 229:159–176

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinton BT, Palladino MA, Mattnueller DR, Bard D, Gond K (1991) Expression and activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in the rat epididymis. Mol Reprod Dev 1:40–46

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffer AP (1982) Ultrastructural studies of the seminiferous and epididymal epithelium and epididymal sperm in rats treated with gossypol. Arch Androl 9:35

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffer AP, Hinton BT (1984) Morphological evidence for a blood-epididymis barrier and the effects of gossypol on its integrity. Biol Reprod 30:991–1004

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jones R, Glover TD (1973) The effects of castration on the composition of rabbit epididymal plasma. J Reprod Fertil 34:405–414

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kaur J, Ramakrishnan PR, Rajalakshmi M (1992) Effect of cyproterone acetate on structure and function of rhesus monkey reproductive organs. Anat Recd 236:62–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koch UJ, Lorenz F, Danehl K, Ericsson R, Hasan SH, Keyserlingk DV, Lubke K, Mehring M, Rommler A, Schwartz U, Hammerstein J (1976) Continuous oral low-dosage cyproterone acetate for fertility regulation in the male? A trend analysis in 15 volunteers. Contraception 14(2):117–135

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koch UJ, Lorenz F, Danehl K, Hammerstein J (1974) Uber the verwendbarkeit von cyproterone acetate zur fertilitatshemmung bein mann. Morphologische veranderungen and einflusse auf the spermien motilitat. 40. Tagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Gynaekologie and Geburtshilfe, Wiesbaden

    Google Scholar 

  • Lea OA, Petrusz P, French FS (1978) Purification and localization of acidic epididymal glycoproteins (AEG): a sperm coating protein secreted by the rat epididymis. Int J Androl 21:592–607

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Linnetz LJ, Amann RP (1968) Histochemistry of epididymis and ampulla as influenced by sperm output. J Reprod Fertil 16:343–350

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lohiya NK, Sharma OP (1983) Effects of cyproterone acetate with combination of testosterone enanthate on seminal characteristics, androgenicity and clinical chemistry in langur monkey. Contraception 28(6):575–586

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lopez AML, Cerda MC (1993) Effects of cyproterone acetate on the ultrastructure of the human epididymis. Andrologia 25:35–45

    Google Scholar 

  • Lorenz F, Koch UJ, Danehl K, Lubke K, Hammerstein J (1974) Uber the verwendbarkeit von cyproterone acetate zur fertilitatschemmung beim mann, Physiologische and biochemische veranderungen. 40. Tagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Gynaekologie and Geburtshilfe, Wiesbaden

    Google Scholar 

  • Mann T (1964) The biochemistry of semen and of the male reproductive tract. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Moltz L, Rommler A, Schwartz U, Hammerstein J (1978) Effects of cyproterone acetate (CPA) on pituitary gonadotropin release and on androgen secretion before and after LH-RH double stimulation tests in men. Int J Androl Suppl. 2:713

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore HDM (1980) Localization of specific glycoproteins secreted by the rabbit and hamster epididymis. Biol Reprod 22:705–718

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moore HDM, Bedford JM (1979a) The differential absorptive activity of epithelial cells of rat before and after castration. Anat Record 193:313–328

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moore HDM, Bedford JM (1979b) Short term effect of androgen withdrawal on the structure of different epididymal cells in the rat epididymis. Anat Record 193:293–312

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morse HC, Leach DR, Rowley MJ, Heller CG (1973) Effect of cyproterone acetate on sperm concentration, seminal fluid volume, testicular cytology and levels of plasma and urinary ICSH, FSH and testosterone in normal men. J Reprod Fertil 32:365

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Neumann F, Diallo FA, Hasan SH, Schenck B, Traore I (1976) The influence of pharmaceutical compounds on male fertility. Andrologia 8(3):203–235

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Neumann F, Schenck B (1976) New antiandrogens and their mode of action. IPPF congress on agents affecting control of fertility in the male, New Delhi. J Reprod Fertil 24:129–145

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nicander L, Paulsson S, Selander U (1965) An electron microscopical study of iron absorption in the epididymal tail of rabbits. Scand Congr Cell Res 4th:51–52

    Google Scholar 

  • Nieschlag E, Behre HM, Weinbaner GF (1989) In perspectives in andrology. Raven Press, New York. 517

    Google Scholar 

  • Orgebin Crist MC, Davis J (1974) Functional and morphological effects of hypophysectomy and androgen replacement in the rabbit epididymis. Cell Tissue Res 148:188–201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Orgebin Crist MC, Hoffman LH, Olson G, Shuklarek MC (1987) Secretion of proteins and glycoproteins by perfused rabbit corpus epididymal tubules: effects of castration. Am Anat 180:49–68

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Orgebin C, Danze MC, B. J. and Davier J. (1975) Endocrine control of the development and maintenance of sperm fertilizing ability in the epididymis. In: Hamilton DW, Greep RO (eds) Handbook of physiology sec. 7, Vol. 5. American Physiological Society, Bethesda, M. D, pp 319–339

    Google Scholar 

  • Oritz E (1953) Effect of castration on the reproductive system of the golden hamster. Anat Record 117:91

    Google Scholar 

  • Palacios J, Regadera J, Manuel N, Paniagua R (1991) Apical mitochondrial rich cells in the human epididymis: an ultrastructural enzyme histochemical and immunohistochemical study. Anat Record 231:82–88

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Paulson HL, Dym M (1985) Morphometric analysis of coated pits and vesicles in the proximal and distal caput epididymis. Biol Reprod 32:191–202

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Petry R, Mauss J, Rausch-Stroomann JG, Vermeulen A (1972) Reversible inhibition of spermatogenesis in men. Horm Metab Res 4:386–388

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Prasad MRN, Rajalakshmi M (1976) Comparative physiology of the mammalian epididymis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 28:530–537

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Prasad MRN, Rajalakshmi M, Reddy PRK (1972) Hormones and antagonists. In: Hubinont PO, Mendeles SM, Preumont P (eds) , vol 2. Karger, Basel, pp 202–212

    Google Scholar 

  • Rajalakshmi M (1985) Physiology of epididymis and spermatozoa. J Biosci 7(2):191–195

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rajalakshmi M, Prasad MRN (1968) J Endocrinol 41:471

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rajalakshmi M, Prasad MRN (1977) In Reproductive physiology (ed. R.O. Greep). University Park Press, Baltimore, p 153

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramakrishnan PR, Kaur J, Rajalakshmi M (1990) Effect of non-aromatizable androgens on testicular and accessory gland functions in rhesus monkeys. (Macaca-mulatta). J Fertil 89:69–76

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ramos AS, Dym M (1977) Fine structure of the monkey epididymis. Am J Anat 149:501–532

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ramos AS Jr (1980) Ultrastructure and histological observations on the principal cells of monkey epididymis. Arch Androl 5:159–168

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rao MV, Roy GK (1993) Biochemical and morphological changes of spermatozoa in progestic androgen injected rats. Ind J Exp Biol. 31:12–15

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ratna Kumar BV, Shipstone AC, Setty BS (1990) Effects of vasectomy on the ultrastructure of epididymal epithelium in rhesus monkey. Int J Fertil 35(3):180–191

    Google Scholar 

  • Riar SS, Setty BS, Kar AB (1973) Studies on the physiology and biochemistry of mammalian epididymis. Biochemical composition of epididymis. A comparative study. Fert Steril 24:355–363

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Robaire B, Hermo L (1988) Efferent ducts, epididymis and vas deference: structure, function and their regulation. In: Knobil E, Neill JD (eds) The physiology of reproduction, vol 1. Raven Press, New York, pp 999–1080

    Google Scholar 

  • Roussel JD, Stallcup OT (1966) Relationship between phosphatase activity and other characteristics in bull semen. J Reprod Fertil 12:423–429

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roy S, Chatterjee S, Prasad MRN, Poddar AK, Pandey DC (1976) Effects of cyproterone acetate on reproductive functions in normal human males. Contraception 14(4):403

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roy S, Taneja SL (1974) Vasectomy, vasocclusion and vasanastomosis: a critical appraisal. Monograph no. 23. National Institute of Family Planning, New Delhi

    Google Scholar 

  • Schenck B, Neumann F (1978) Some comments on the use of antiandrogens for male contraception. Int J Androl 2:155–161

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schulze W (1977) Licht–und elektronmikroskopische studien an den A-Spermatogenien von Mannernmt intakter- spermatogenese and bei patienten. Andrologia 10:307–320

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scott TW, Wales RG, Wallace JC, White (1962) Composition of ram epididymal and testicular fluid and the biosynthesis of glyceryl phosphorylcholine by the rabbit epididymis. J Reprod Fertil 6:49–59

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sedar AW (1966) Transport of exogenous peroxidase across the epithelium of the ductuli efferentes (abstract). J Cell Biol 31:102 A

    Google Scholar 

  • Sumitra N, Ghosh J (1979) Epididymal and testicular enzymes as monitors for assessment of male antifertility drug. J Steroid Biochem 11:681

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Usselman MC, Cane RA (1983) Rat sperm are mechanically immobilized in the canal epididymis by immobilin a high molecular weight glycoprotein. Biol Reprod 29:1241–1253

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Voglmayr JK, Waites GMH, Setchell BP (1966) Studies on spermatozoa and fluid collected directly from the testis of the conscious ram. Nature (London) 210:861–863

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Waits GMH, Setchell BP (1969) Physiology of the testis, epididymis and serotum. In: McLaren A (ed) Advances in reproductive physiology, vol 4. Logos Press, London, pp 1–63

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang C, Yeung KK (1980) Use of low dosage oral cyproterone acetate as a male contraceptive. Contraception 21(3):245

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WHO (1991) Annual technical report, Geneva, Switzerland

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong PYD (1989) Electrolyte and fluid transport by the epididymis. In: Young JA, Wong PYD (eds) Epithelial secretion of electrolyte and wate. Springer Verlag, Heidelberg

    Google Scholar 

  • Yanagimachi R, Kamiguchi Y, Mikamo K, Suzuki F, Yanagimachi H (1985) Maturation of spermatozoa in the epididymis of the Chinese hamster. Am J Anatomy 172:317–330

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, DY Patil Deemed-To-Be University, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

    D. A. Bhiwgade

  2. Institute for Advanced Training & Research in Interdisciplinary Sciences, Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

    Sasikumar Menon

Authors
  1. D. A. Bhiwgade
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sasikumar Menon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Bhiwgade, D.A., Menon, S. (2023). Ultrastructure of Epididymis in Normal and Experimental Animals; Rat and Bonnet Monkey (Macaca radiata). In: Ultrastructural Investigations on the Pituitary-Gonadal Axis. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-3276-4_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-3276-4_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-99-3275-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-99-3276-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation