Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The composition of fluid collected by micropuncture and catheterization from the seminiferous tubules and rete testis of rats

  • Published:
Pflügers Archiv Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Fluid and electrolyte secretion in the rat testis has been studied by micropuncture and catheterization. Three fluids have been collected and analyzed:

  1. 1.

    Rete-testis fluid, obtained by catheterization of the rete testis.

  2. 2.

    Free-flow fluid, obtained by micropuncture of seminiferous tubules.

  3. 3.

    Primary fluid, also obtained by micropuncture but after first filling a tubule segment with oil and allowing new secretion to form and break up the oil column into droplets.

Primary fluid contained: [K]=112±2 (S.E.M.) mEq/l; [Na]=38±3 mEq/l; [Cl]=62±3 mEq/l. The trans-epithelial potential difference was −1.2±0.3 mV (lumen negative).

Free-flow fluid contained: [K]=50±5 mEq/l; [Na]=108±7 mEq/l; [Cl]=120±5 mEq/l; osmolality =337±12 mOsm/KgH 2O. The trans-epithelial potential difference was −7.4±0.5 mV.

Rete-testis fluid contained: [K]=14±1 mEq/l; [Na]=143±4 mEq/l; [Cl]=140±2 mEq/l; [HCO3]=21±5 mEq/l; osmolality=328±23 mOsm/KgH 2O, and high concentrations of free myo-inositol 33.5±1.1 mg-% and of some amino acids, e.g. glycine, proline, lysine, alanine and aspartic acid.

It is proposed that the seminiferous tubules secrete a potassium-rich primary secretion, probably by active potassium and bicarbonate transport, and that the rete testis or tubuli recti produce a sodium-rich secondary secretion in relatively larger volumes. The origin, fate and role of these fluids is discussed.

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

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Bosher, S. K., Warren, R. L.: Observations on the electrochemistry of the cochlear endolymph of the rat: a quantitative study of its electrical potential and ionic composition as determined by means of flame spectrophotometry. Proc. Roy. Soc. B.171, 227–247 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  2. Clegg, E. J., MacMillan, E. W.: The uptake of vital dyes and particulate matter by the Sertoli cells of the rat testis. J. Anat. (Lond.)99, 219–229 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  3. Clermont, Y.: Contractile elements in the limiting membrane of the seminiferous tubules of the rat. Exp. Cell Res.15, 438–440 (1958).

    Google Scholar 

  4. —, Huckins, C.: Microscopic anatomy of the sex cords and seminiferous tubules in growing and adult male albino rats. Amer. J. Anat.108, 79–97 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  5. Cunningham, J. T.: On ligature of the vas deferens in the cat, and researches on the efferent ducts of the testis in cat, rat and mouse. Brit. J. exp. Biol.6, 12–25 (1928).

    Google Scholar 

  6. Denton, D. A.: The effect of Na+ depletion on the Na+∶K+ ratio of the parotid saliva of the sheep. J. Physiol. (Lond.)131, 516–525 (1956).

    Google Scholar 

  7. Frömter, E., Hegel, U.: Transtubuläre Potentialdifferenzen an proximalen und distalen Tubuli der Rattenniere. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol.291, 107–120 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  8. —, Wick, T., Hegel, U.: Untersuchungen über die Ausspritzmethode zur Lokalisation der Mikroelektrodenspitze bei Potentialmessungen am proximalen Konvolut der Rattenniere. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol.294, 265–273 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  9. Giebisch, G.: Measurements of electrical potential differences on single nephrons of the perfusedNecturus kidney. J. gen. Physiol.44, 659–678 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  10. Greenberg, D. M.: Biosynthesis of amino acids and related compounds. In Metabolic Pathways. Greenberg, D. M., ed. New York: Academic Press 1961.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Hayden, L. J., Young, J. A.: Simultaneous determination of picomole quantities of chloride and iodide using an eletrometric coulombometric titration procedure. Aust. J. exp. Biol. med. Sci.47 P 14–15 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  12. Herd, J. A., Barger, A. C.: Simplified technique for chronic catheterization of blood vessels. J. appl. Physiol.19, 791–792 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  13. Holzgreve, H., Martinez, J. R., Vogel, A.: Micropuncture and histologic study of submaxillary glands of young rats. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol.290, 134–143 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  14. Keynes, R. D.: From frog skin to sheep rumen: a survey of transport of salts and water across multicellular structures. Quart. Rev. Biophys.2, 177–281 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  15. Langer, K. H., Thoenes, W., Wiederholt, M.: Licht- und elektronmikroskopische Untersuchungen am proximalen Tubuluskonvolut der Rattenniere nach intraluminaler Ölinjektion. Pflügers Arch.302, 149–165 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  16. Leeson, T. S.: Electron microscopy of the rete testis of the rat. Anat. Rec.144, 57–67 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  17. Lohmuller, W.: Die Übergangsstellen der gewundenen in die “geraden” Hodenkanälchen beim Menschen. Z. mikr.-anat. Forsch.3, 147–148 (1925).

    Google Scholar 

  18. Mangos, J. A., Braun, G., Hamann, K. F.: Micropuncture study of sodium and potassium excretion in the rat parotid saliva. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol.291, 99–106 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  19. Martinez, J. R., Holzgreve, H., Frick, A.: Micropuncture study of submaxillary glands of adult rats. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol.290, 124–133 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  20. May, F.: Kurze Mitteilung über den anatomischen Aufbau der Übergangsstellen der Tubuli contorti in die Tubuli recti im menschlichen Hoden. Virchows Arch. path. Anat.243, 474–477 (1923).

    Google Scholar 

  21. Niemi, M., Kormano, M.: Contractility of the seminiferous tubule of the postnatal rat testis and its response to oxytocin. Ann. Med. exp. Fenn.43, 40–42 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  22. Perey, B., Clermont, Y., Leblond, C. P.: The wave of seminiferous epithelium in the rat. Amer. J. Anat.108, 47–77 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  23. Ramsay, J. A., Brown, R. J. H., Croghan, P. C.: Electrometric titration of chloride in small volumes. J. exp. Biol.32, 822–829 (1955).

    Google Scholar 

  24. Reber, H. A., Wolf, C. J.: Micropuncture study of pancreatic electrolyte secretion. Amer. J. Physiol.215, 34–40 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  25. Reisin, I., Cereijido, M.: Na fluxes in single isolated seminal tubules of the rat. Biophys. J.9, A 164 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  26. Richards, A. N.: Urine formation in the amphibian kidney. Harvey Lect.30, 93–118 (1934–1935).

    Google Scholar 

  27. Rolshoven, E.: Ursachen und Bedeutung der intratubulären Sekretströmung im Säugerhoden. Z. Anat. Entwickl.-Gesch.105, 374–408 (1936).

    Google Scholar 

  28. Roosen-Runge, E. C.: Motions of the seminiferous tubules of rat and dog. Anat. Rec.109, 413 (1951).

    Google Scholar 

  29. —: The rete testis in the albino rat: its structure, development and morphological significance. Acta anat. (Basel)45, 1–30 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  30. Schulz, I., Ullrich, K. J., Frömter, E., Holzgrove, H., Frick, A., Hegel, H.: Mikropunktion und elektrische Potentialsmessung an Schweißdrüsen des Menschen. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol.284, 360–372 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  31. Schulz, I., Yamagata, A., Weske, M.: Micropuncture studies on the pancreas of the rabbit. Pflügers Arch.308, 277–290 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  32. Setchell, B. P.: The secretion of fluid by the testis measured by ligation of the efferent ducts in rats, rams and goats, with some observations on the effects of age, hypophysectomy and cryptorchidism. J. Reprod. Fertil. (in press) (1970).

  33. Setchell, B. P.: Fluid secretion by the testes of an Australian marsupial. Macropus eugenii. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. (in press) (1970).

  34. —, Dawson, R. M. C., White, R. W.: The high concentration of free myoinositol in rete testis fluid from rams. J. Reprod. Fertil.17, 219–220 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  35. —, Hinks, N. T., Voglmyar, J. K., Scott, T. W.: Amino-acids in ram testicular fluid and semen and their metabolism by spermatozoa. Biochem. J.105, 1061–1065 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  36. —, Scott, T. W., Voglmayr, J. K., Waites, G. M. H.: Characteristics of testicular spermatozoa and the fluid which transports them into the epididymis. Biol. Reprod. Suppl.1, 40–66 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  37. - Voglmayr, J. K., Hinks, W. T.: The effect of local heating on the flow and composition of rete testis fluid in the conscious ram. Biol. Reprod. (in press) (1970).

  38. —, Voglmayr, J. K., Waites, G. M. H.: A blood-testis barrier restricting passage from blood into rete testis fluid but not into lymph. J. Physiol. (Lond.)200, 73–85 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  39. Setchell, B. P., Waites, G. M. H.: Changes in the permeability of the testicular capillaries and of the “blood-testis barrier” after injection of cadmium chloride in the rat. J. Endocr. (in press) (1970).

  40. Shagrin, J., Young, J. A.: A micropuncture investigation of the cation content and osmolality of colloid from single rat thyroid acini. Pflügers Arch.307, 204–210 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  41. Spangaro, S.: Über die histologischen Veränderungen des Hodens, Nebenhodens und Samenleiters von Geburt an bis zum Greisenalter. Anatomische Heft. Abteilung I18, 593–771 (1902).

    Google Scholar 

  42. Stieve, H.: Männliche Genitalorgane. In: Handbuch der mikroskopischen Anatomie des Menschen (W. von Möllendorff, ed.), Vol. 7, part 2. Berlin: Springer 1930.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Ullrich, K. J., Frömter, E., Baumann, K.: Micropuncture and microanalysis in kidney physiology. In: Laboratory Techniques in Membranes Biophysics (Eds.: H. Passow and R. Stämpfli). Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1969.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Voglmayr, J. K., Larsen, L. H., White, I. G.: Metabolism of spermatozoa and composition of fluid collected from the rete testis of conscious bulls. J. Reprod. Fertil. (in press) (1970).

  45. —, Scott, T. W., Setchell, B. P., Waites, G. M. H.: Metabolism of testicular spermatozoa and characteristics of testicular fluid collected from conscious rams. J. Reprod. Fertil.14, 87–99 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  46. —, Waites, G. M. H., Setchell, B. P.: Studies on spermatozoa and fluid collected directly from the testis of the conscious ram. Nature (Lond.)210, 861–863 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  47. Waites, G. M. H., Setchell, B. P.: Changes in blood flow and vascular permeability of the testis epididymis and accessory reproductive organs of the rat after the administration of cadmium chloride. J. Endocr.34, 329–342 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  48. ——: Some physiological aspects of the function of the testis. In: The Gonads (Ed. McKerns). New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts 1969.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Wiederholt, M., Langer, K. H., Theones, W., Hierholzer, K.: Funktionelle und morphologische Untersuchungen am proximalen und distalen Konvolut der Rattenniere zur Methode der gespaltenen Ölsäule (split oil droplet method). Pflügers Arch.302, 166 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  50. Windhager, E. E.: Micropuncture techniques and nephron function. London: Butterworths 1968.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Young, J. A., Frömter, E., Schögel, E., Hamman, K. F.: A microperfusion investigation of sodium resorption and potassium secretion by the main excretory duct of the rat submaxillary gland. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol.295, 157–172 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  52. —, Schögel, E.: Micropuncture investigation of sodium and potassium excretion in rat submaxillary saliva. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol.291, 85–98 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  53. —, Shagrin, J. M.: Micromethods in biological research. Proc. Aust. Soc. clin. Biochem.1, 333–336 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. B. P. Setchell

    Present address: A.R.C. Institute of Animal Physiology, Babraham, Cambridge, England

  2. G. M. H. Waites

    Present address: Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, The University of Reading, England

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, University of Sydney, 2006, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia

    R. R. Tuck, B. P. Setchell, G. M. H. Waites & J. A. Young

  2. Division of Animal Physiology, C.S.I.R.O., N.S.W., Australia

    R. R. Tuck, B. P. Setchell, G. M. H. Waites & J. A. Young

Authors
  1. R. R. Tuck
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. B. P. Setchell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. G. M. H. Waites
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. J. A. Young
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Tuck, R.R., Setchell, B.P., Waites, G.M.H. et al. The composition of fluid collected by micropuncture and catheterization from the seminiferous tubules and rete testis of rats. Pflugers Arch. 318, 225–243 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00593663

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00593663

Key-Words

Schlüsselwörter

Search

Navigation