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At least 397 records · Page 22Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Transport of IgG across the blood-luminal barrier of the male reproductive tract of the rat and the effect of estradiol administration on reabsorption of fluid and IgG by the epididymal ducts.

In rats immunized systemically with tetanus toxoid the concentration of specific anti-tetanus-toxoid-specific IgG in fluid from the rete testis and cauda epididymidis were respectively 0.6% and 1.4% the concentration in blood serum. The extratesticular duct system reabsorbed 97% of the IgG and 99% of the fluid leaving the rete, but estradiol administration affected the site of reabsorption. In untreated rats, the ductuli efferentes reabsorbed 94% of the IgG and 96% of the fluid leaving the rete, whereas estradiol-treated rats reabsorbed 83% of the IgG and 86% of the fluid, and the ductus epididymidis fully compensated for these different effects of estradiol on the ductuli efferentes. The concentrations of IgG in secretions of the seminal vesicles and prostate gland were lower (0.1% and 0.3% respectively of the titers in blood serum) than in fluids from the extratesticular ducts, and were not affected by the administration of estradiol. RT-PCR showed that Fcgrt (neonatal Fc receptor, also known as FcRn) is expressed in the reproductive ducts, where IgG is probably transported across epithelium, being particularly strong in the ductuli efferentes (where most IgG was reabsorbed) and distal caput epididymidis. It is concluded that IgG enters the rete testis and is concentrated only 2.5-fold along the extratesticular duct system, unlike spermatozoa, which are concentrated 95-fold. Further, the ductus epididymidis can recognize and compensate for changes in function of the ductuli efferentes.

Absorption↗

PubMed2002

Focal orchitis in undescended testes: discussion of pathogenetic mechanisms of tubular atrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate seminiferous epithelium lesions in adult cryptorchid testes showing lymphoid infiltrates in seminiferous tubules and interstitium (i.e., focal orchitis). Also, to consider the possible role of this lesion in the etiology of tubular atrophy. METHODS: We performed a histopathologic study of the cryptorchid testes and adjacent epididymides removed from 50 adult men who had not been previously treated for cryptorchidism. The study included morphologic and semiquantitative evaluation of seminiferous tubule pathology (according to germ cell numbers), Sertoli cell morphology, tubular lumen dilation, rete testis pattern (normal, hypoplastic, or cystic), and epididymal pattern (normal or epididymal duct hypoplasia). The study also included immunohistochemical evaluation of immune cell markers. The results were compared with clinical and laboratory findings. RESULTS: Focal lymphoid infiltrates (mainly lymphocytes) in seminiferous tubules and interstitium were found in 22 patients (44%), all of whom had unilateral cryptorchidism. The course of orchitis was asymptomatic, and laboratory data were normal. According to the seminiferous tubule pathology, a variety of histopathologic diagnoses, were made: (1) mixed atrophy consisting of Sertoli cell-only tubules intermingled with tubules showing maturation arrest of spermatogonia (11 testes, 4 of which also showed hyalinized tubules); (2) Sertoli cell-only tubules plus hyalinized tubules (4 testes); (3) Sertoli cell-only tubules (3 testes); (4) intratubular germ cell neoplasia (2 testes, 1 of which also showed hyalinized tubules); (5) complete tubular hyalinization (1 testis); and (6) tubular hyalinization plus some groups of tubules with hypospermatogenesis (all germ cell types were present although in lower numbers, 1 testis). Dysgenetic Sertoli cells, that is, Sertoli cells that had undergone anomalous, incomplete maturation, were observed in all nonhyalinized seminiferous tubules with inflammatory infiltrates. Tubular ectasia was observed in 13 cases. The rete testis was hypoplastic and showed cystic transformation in 18 testes, and the epididymis was hypoplastic in 15 testes. CONCLUSIONS: The causes of these focal inflammatory infiltrates are unknown. It is possible that tubular ectasia and Sertoli cell dysgenesis are involved and that these alterations cause a disruption of the blood-testis barrier and allow antigens to enter the testicular interstitium, giving rise to an autoimmune process.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Maturation and regulation of the motility of spermatozoa in the epididymis of the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii).

Demembranated spermatozoa from the rete testis developed vigorous flagellation when reactivated with ATP, but showed no forward progression such as that seen in samples from the cauda epididymidis. The proportion of spermatozoa that were reactivated was smaller for samples from the rete testis than from the cauda epididymidis. Studies in vitro of undiluted micropuncture samples from the epididymis indicated that the activity of spermatozoa is suppressed as they develop the capacity for motility. However, as spermatozoa spontaneously became activated during the collection or subsequent incubation of undiluted samples, it was concluded that the suppressive action is labile. The activity of spermatozoa in vitro was examined in diluted samples from the cauda epididymidis. A concentration of 2.5 mmol extracellular calcium/l was better than lower concentrations. Diluents at pH 5.5 completely inhibited sperm motility when they contained 20 mmol lactate/l (but not glutamate) and the effect was reversed by readjusting the diluent to pH 7.4. However, lactate was not considered to suppress sperm motility in situ, as the plasma from the cauda epididymidis contained only 2.7 +/- 0.5 mmol lactate/l. There was no effect of sodium concentration (1 and 115 mmol/l), pH (5.5 and 7.4) or amiloride (0 and 1 mmol/l) on sperm motility, indicating that motility is not dependent on the concentration of sodium above 1 mmol/l or on a sodium-proton exchange system. The relative viscosity of plasma from the cauda epididymidis did not affect the motility of spermatozoa.

Animals↗

PubMed1984

Sperm concentration in different segments of the goat epididymis.

Spermatocrit values of fluid collected by micropuncture from the caput, corpus and cauda of goat epididymides as well as rete testis fluid and testicular fluid were determined for eight animals. The values indicated that 98.02% of fluid is absorbed in the epididymis and that the cauda epididymis contains the lowest amount of fluid, significantly different from the rete testis, corpus and caput.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1995

Mode of inflammatory cell infiltration in testes of mice injected with syngeneic testicular germ cells without adjuvant.

We previously established an experimental model for autoimmune inflammation of the testis in mice by active immunisation with viable syngeneic testicular germ cells without the use of adjuvants. In the present study, the mode of spread of the inflammation was investigated histologically to determine vulnerable sites for the inflammatory cell infiltration. The results showed that lymphocytic infiltration first appeared in the tunica albuginea adjacent to the tubuli recti and the rete testis. In the next stage, infiltration with lymphocytes, macrophages, polymorphonuclear leucocytes and plasma cells occurred around the tubuli recti and subsequently a mixture of these cells spread centrifugally to the peripheral interstitium of the testis with persistent involvement of the region of the tubuli recti and the tunica albuginea. In the final stage, the inflammatory cells invaded the tubules. However, even in cases with the most severe testicular inflammation, the interstitium in the rete testis region showed only slight inflammatory changes, and no inflammation was seen in the ductuli efferentes, the epididymis or the vas deferens.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Adrenal independence of fluid and electrolyte reabsorption in the ductuli efferentes testis of the rat.

The ductuli efferentes testis (efferent ducts) of the rat were studied to determine whether fluid and electrolyte reabsorption by the ducts is under the control of adrenal mineralocorticoids. Testicular fluid output and the rate of fluid reabsorption by the ducts were determined in sham-operated controls and in rats which had been adrenalectomized 10 days previously, adrenalectomized 10 days previously and given aldosterone therapy (75 micrograms kg-1 day-1 S.C.) from day 3 to day 10 post adrenalectomy, and in rats given injections of the aldosterone antagonist, spironolactone, for 10 days (10 mg kg-1 day-1 S.C.). The values for testicular fluid output and fluid flow from the efferent ducts (means +/- S.E.M.) in the sham-operated rats were 36.0 +/- 7.8 and 1.23 +/- 0.12 microliters h-1, respectively, resulting in an estimate of fluid reabsorption by the efferent ducts of 94.8 +/- 1.6% of the testicular fluid output. None of the treatments resulted in a significant change in testicular fluid output or in fluid reabsorption from the efferent ducts. Similarly, the treatments did not significantly alter the osmolality or electrolyte concentrations in fluid samples from the rete testis or the distal end of the efferent ducts (sham-operated values for rete testis and efferent duct fluid, respectively, were: osmolality, 311.2 +/- 1.7 and 302.7 +/- 5.7 mosmol kg-1; [Na+], 151.2 +/- 5.6 and 150.8 +/- 8.1 mmol l-1; [Cl-], 147.9 +/- 6.6 and 126.7 +/- 2.2 mmol l-1; [K+], 15.2 +/- 0.7 and 13.5 +/- 2.4 mmol l-1). It is concluded that, like the homologous proximal tubule of the metanephric kidney, fluid reabsorption from the efferent ducts is independent of adrenal mineralocorticoid control.

Adrenal Glands↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Macrophages lysing seminoma cells in patients with carcinoma-in-situ (CIS) of the testis.

Testicles of 15 subfertile men who underwent orchidectomy because of intratubular seminoma cells resp. carcinoma-in-situ (CSI) pattern in testicular biopsy were examined by semithin sections as well as by ultrathin sections. With one exception the volume of the testicles was reduced (means = 16 ml). 6 cases (= 40%) had exclusively intratubular seminoma cells, 4 cases (= 26.6%) intratubular and interstitial seminoma cells and 5 cases (= 33.3%) a solid seminoma near the rete testis. In all patients an interstitial inflammatory infiltration as well as tubular shadows of various degree could be observed. Some tubular shadows contained macrophages in the center heavily loaded with lipid droplets. Furthermore, in two cases many seminiferous tubules could be detected which contained activated macrophages in the lumen lysing tumor cells. One of the patients had only intratubular tumor cells, whereas the other patient had a solid seminoma near the rete testis. Our data suggest that activated macrophages killing intratubular tumor cells in patients with CIS pattern of the testis resp. with an early stage of a seminoma represent a physiological immunological reaction of the host in preventing further invasive tumor growth. Tubular shadows represent the final process of macrophage activity and may explain the reduced testicular volume in patients with CIS. However, the density of the inflammatory reaction and the extent of intratubular macrophages lysing tumor cells does not correlate with a low or high risk of tumor growth.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Induction of reproductive tract developmental abnormalities in the male rat by lowering androgen production or action in combination with a low dose of diethylstilbestrol: evidence for importance of the androgen-estrogen balance.

This study tested the hypothesis that testis/reproductive tract abnormalities induced in the rat by neonatal treatment with diethylstilbestrol (DES) result from disturbance of the androgen-estrogen balance. Male rats were treated neonatally with a dose of DES (0.1 micro g) that induced either no or small effects on its own or with a dose (10 micro g) that induced major reproductive tract abnormalities. To allow quantification, the abnormalities chosen for study were distension of the rete testis and efferent ducts and reduction in epithelial cell height in the efferent ducts and vas deferens. To alter the androgen-estrogen balance, other rats were treated with DES (0.1 micro g) in combination with a treatment to suppress either androgen production [GnRH antagonist (GnRHa)] or androgen action (flutamide); other rats were treated with GnRHa or flutamide alone. Testosterone levels were measured to verify the effects of treatment. Combined administration of DES (0.1 micro g) plus GnRHa or flutamide induced significantly greater distension/overgrowth of the rete testis and efferent ducts (ED) and a reduction in epithelial cell height of the ED than did DES (0.1 micro g) administered alone. Neither GnRHa nor flutamide affected rete or ED distension when administered alone, but both significantly reduced ED epithelial cell height. Neonatal treatment with bisphenol-A (100 micro g) with or without GnRHa had no significant effect on any of these parameters. In contrast to the ED, a reduction in cell height of the vas deferens was induced to an equal extent by DES (10 micro g), DES (0.1 micro g) with GnRHa, and GnRHa alone, suggesting greater sensitivity of this tissue to both androgen and estrogen action. The induction of major abnormalities in rats treated with DES (10 micro g) was coincident with loss of androgen receptor immunoexpression in affected tissues. Reduced androgen receptor immunoexpression was also induced by combined treatment with DES (0.1 micro g) plus GnRHa or flutamide, whereas treatment with any of these compounds alone had no or only minor effects. These findings suggest that reduced androgen action sensitizes the reproductive tract to estrogens, demonstrating that the balance in action between androgens and estrogens, rather than their absolute levels, may be of fundamental importance in determining normal or abnormal development of some regions of the male reproductive tract.

Androgen Antagonists↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The testicular and epididymal luminal amino acid microenvironment in the rat.

Concentrations of amino acids were measured in arterial and testicular venous blood, and in fluids from the seminiferous tubule, rete testis, and the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymidis. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of any amino acids between arterial and testicular venous blood, whereas there were significant differences between arterial/venous blood and testicular interstitial fluid. The predominant amino acids measured within seminiferous tubule fluid (STF) and rete testis fluid (RTF) were glycine, alanine, glutamate, and glutamine. RTF contained approximately equal concentrations of basic and total amino acids, but 17 times higher acidic amino acids and 1.2 and 1.3 times lower uncharged polar and nonpolar amino acids, respectively, compared to STF. The concentration of total amino acids within caput fluid reached over 50 nmol/L, but then declined to approximately 50% and 0.1% of caput for corpus and cauda, respectively. The predominant amino acids measured within epididymal luminal fluids were glutamate and taurine; glutamate contributed to approximately 90% of the total amino acids measured in caput fluid. The presence of glutamate and taurine within the epididymal lumen is due primarily to a direct contribution from the epididymal epithelium, as measured using the split-drop stopped-flow microperfusion technique. Several other amino acids within the lumen also originate from the epididymal epithelium. Amino acids contribute approximately 20%, 9%, and 2% of the total osmolality of caput, corpus, and cauda fluid, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acids↗

PubMed1993

Cystic dysplasia of the testis.

Cystic dysplasia of the testis (CDT) is a rare congenital defect that results in the formation of numerous irregular cystic spaces within the mediastinum testis. We describe a 4-year-old boy with right testicular swelling who underwent orchiectomy for CDT after a preoperative ultrasound examination revealed a multicystic, anechoic lesion. Grossly, the lesion was 2 cm in size and was composed of multiple, irregularly shaped cystic spaces lined by flattened cuboidal epithelium. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the epithelial cells expressed keratin, vimentin, and epithelial membrane antigen. Both the histologic appearance of the cyst lining and the immunohistochemical profile resembled the epithelium of rete testis. In our review of the literature 10 cases (including this lesion) of CDT have been described. A defect in the connection between the efferent ductules, derived from the mesonephric epithelium, and the rete testis and seminiferous tubules, derived from the gonadal blastema, is currently thought to be the most likely explanation of the pathogenesis of CDT.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed1990

Immunocytochemical localization of nuclear protamine in boar spermatozoa during epididymal transit.

Protamine was specifically demonstrated in boar spermatozoa collected from the rete testis, caput, corpus and cauda epididymidis and the ejaculate by immunoelectron microscopy, using anti-boar or anti-ram protamine antisera and an indirect post-embedding immunogold technique. Spermatozoa from all collection sites stained after incubation although with different degrees of labelling. Controls were negative. Labelling increased from the rete testis towards the epididymal corpus, where it was most intense, decreasing sharply thereafter. The weakest binding of the assayed antibodies was obtained in the ejaculated spermatozoa but it could be reversed by in-vitro induction of chromatin decondensation with sodium dodecyl sulphate and the metal-chelating EDTA. The finding of a significant decrease in the immunolabelling detected from the corpus epididymidis onwards indicates a critical point for the interaction between DNA and the protamines in boar spermatozoa during the epididymal maturation.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Studies on relationship between testicular capsule and sperm transport in rat testis.

AIM: In SD rats, histological changes in the testis were observed after bilateral capsulotomy (of the tunica albuginea) in order to investigate the physiological role of the testicular capsule on sperm transport. METHODS: Bilateral longitudinal capsulotomy was devised to disrupt the capsular contractile function. With this technique, only the tunica vaginalis and tunica albuginea were slit open, leaving the tunica vasculosa intact to embrace the underlying testicular parenchyma. After capsulotomy, the structural changes in the seminiferous tubules, the transitional distal seminiferous segment, and the rete testis were observed. RESULTS: In the capsulotomized testis, there was sperm retention at the transitional seminiferous segment and progressive degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules. CONCLUSION: The results clearly indicated that an intact testicular capsule was required for normal sperm transport from the seminiferous tubules into the rete testis. This is the first attempt to study the physiological role of the testicular capsule in intact animals.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

On the regulation of Crisp-1 mRNA expression and protein secretion by luminal factors presented in vivo by microperfusion of the rat proximal caput epididymidis.

Synthesis and secretion of certain epididymal proteins are regulated by lumicrine factors from the testis or from upstream regions of the excurrent ducts. Cysteine-rich secreted protein-1 (Crisp-1) is a major androgen regulated protein in the epididymal lumen fluid of the rat and other species. Previous research has demonstrated that disturbance of the luminal microenvironment through obstruction of the tract reduces Crisp-1 synthesis and secretion. The present study was undertaken to determine the influence of the luminal microenvironment on rat proximal caput epididymal Crisp-1 secretion into lumen fluid and on Crisp-1 gene expression in the same tubules. Western blot analysis demonstrated that Crisp-1 protein concentrations were reduced from control levels by perfusion with artificial caput fluid containing no testicular factors and were not increased by perfusion with fluids containing rete testis fluid proteins. Crisp-1gene expression was also reduced by perfusion with artificial caput fluid and not increased by perfusion with rete testis fluid proteins. Perfusion with artificial caput fluid containing 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone did increase one Crisp-1 transcript. This study demonstrates that intraluminal testicular proteins are not important co-regulators with androgens of Crisp-1gene expression or resulting Crisp-1 secretion into the rat proximal caput tubule lumen in vivo.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Changes in spermatogenesis and endocrine function in the ram testis due to irradiation and active immunization against luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone.

Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation is a technique that has potential in livestock to enhance genetic gain and generate transgenic offspring through the male germ line. A means for depletion of endogenous germ cells in a recipient's seminiferous tubules is necessary for this technology to be applied. The objectives of this study were to evaluate several methods for depletion of endogenous germ cells in the testes of adult rams and to evaluate ultrasound-guided injections into the rete testes as a means for infusing a suspension into the seminiferous tubules. Sixteen adult rams were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups (n = 4 per group). Treatments consisted of active immunization against LHRH (IMM), localized testicular irradiation (IR), LHRH immunization + irradiation (IMM+IR), and untreated control. Serial bleedings were conducted pretreatment and monthly after treatment for 4 mo, at which time all rams were castrated. Both IMM and IMM+IR rams received exogenous gonadotropin in the form of Perganol weekly for 8 wk before castration to bypass the immunization. All rams also received an ultrasound-guided injection of PBS containing 0.4% trypan blue into the rete testis of one testicle before castration. Rams receiving IMM and IMM+IR treatments had higher (P < 0.05) average percentages of seminiferous tubule cross sections with depleted germ cells compared with controls. Serum testosterone was decreased (P < 0.05) in IMM and IMM+IR rams 1 mo after treatment and throughout the remainder of the study compared with controls and IR rams, which were not different from each other. Serum inhibin concentration was unchanged in all rams following treatment indicating that Sertoli cell function was unaltered. A greater (P < 0.05) average percentage of the total testicular area could be filled with the trypan blue solution by rete testis injection in IMM and IMM+IR rams. These data demonstrate the depletion of endogenous germ cells in adult ram testes without alteration of Sertoli cell viability and function that have potential as methods for preparing recipient animals for germ cell transplantation.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Expression and localization of inhibin alpha, inhibin/activin betaA and betaB and the activin type II and inhibin beta-glycan receptors in the developing human testis.

Inhibins and activins have roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation in a variety of tissues. This study investigated the distribution of the three inhibin/activin subunits (alpha, betaA and betaB) and their receptors in the human testis between week 13 and week 19 of gestation using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. mRNA for all three subunits and for the activin type II receptors ActRIIA and ActRIIB was detected at all stages of gestation examined. Sertoli cells showed intense immunostaining for the alpha subunit and some staining for the betaB subunit, whereas only the betaB subunit was detected in gonocytes. No betaA subunit staining was detected within the tubules. All three subunits were localized to interstitial Leydig cells. Cells of the rete testis and the epididymal epithelium also showed immunostaining for betaB; however, staining for the other subunits was weak or absent. Peritubular cells showed intense immunostaining for the beta-glycan inhibin receptor, which was also localized to interstitial cells, but was not detected within the tubular compartment, rete testis or epididymal epithelium. ActRIIA was detected in gonocytes and in interstitial cells; ActRIIB was distributed widely. These data indicate that fetal Leydig and Sertoli cells have the potential to produce both activins and inhibins, whereas gonocytes may produce only activin B. The distribution of activin and inhibin receptors implies that the intratubular compartment and developing duct system are sites of action of activin B but not inhibin at this stage of development, whereas both activins and inhibins may be involved in the development and function of the peritubular and interstitial cells.

Actins↗

PubMed1988

Evidence for the presence of oxytocin in the ovine epididymis.

The testes of several species contain oxytocin and/or neurophysin, but the content or localization of oxytocin in epididymal tissue has not been studied. The present study was undertaken to localize oxytocin and neurophysin in epididymal tissue of the ram, and to quantify oxytocin in the ductus epididymidis and fluids entering and leaving the ductus epididymidis. Neurophysin was not detected in the epididymis; thus, synthesis of oxytocin by the epididymis is unlikely. Immunohistochemical localization of oxytocin was confined to the epithelium and capillaries. Oxytocin immunostaining was most intense for epithelium of the caput and declined in corpus and cauda regions. However, based on radioimmunoassay, no difference in oxytocin concentration was detected among regions of the epididymis. Since rete testis fluid entering and cauda epididymal fluid leaving the epididymis contained at least fourfold more oxytocin than testicular venous plasma, it was concluded that regional differences in epithelial concentration of oxytocin may have been masked by oxytocin contained in the luminal fluid. It was concluded further that the epididymis of the ram does not synthesize oxytocin, but about 22 ng/day enters the epididymis in rete testis fluid. Most of this luminal oxytocin apparently is absorbed by the epithelium of the caput epididymidis, with additional adsorption in the corpus and cauda. Although a role for oxytocin in ductal contractility cannot be excluded, it is more likely that the luminal oxytocin influences epithelial or sperm function.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Risk-adapted management for patients with clinical stage I seminoma: the Second Spanish Germ Cell Cancer Cooperative Group study.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of a risk-adapted treatment policy for patients with stage I seminoma by using universally accepted risk criteria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1999 and 2003, 314 patients with clinical stage I seminoma after orchiectomy were prospectively included. One hundred patients (31.8%) presented no risk factors and were managed with surveillance. In contrast, 131 patients (41.7%) had tumors larger than 4 cm, 33 patients (10.5%) had rete testis involvement, and 50 patients (15.9%) had both risk factors. All the latter received two courses of adjuvant carboplatin. RESULTS: Chemotherapy was well tolerated, as only 17 patients (7.9%) presented grade 3 to 4 toxicity. Relapses were observed in six patients (6.0%) on surveillance and in seven patients (3.3%) treated with carboplatin (0.8% of tumors larger than 4 cm, 9.1% of those involving the rete testis, and 6.0% of patients with both risk criteria). All were located at the retroperitoneum, except for one at the spermatic cord. Median tumor size was 25 mm (range, 11 to 70 mm), and median time to relapse was 9 months (range, 4 to 28 months). All patients were rendered disease-free with chemotherapy (etoposide plus cisplatin). Median follow-up was 34 months (range, 12 to 72 months). The actuarial 5-year disease-free survival rate was 93.4% for patients on surveillance and 96.2% for patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. Overall 5-year survival was 100%. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant carboplatin is effective in reducing the relapse rate in patients with stage I seminoma and risk factors. A risk-adapted strategy is safe and feasible and should be considered an alternative to systematic approaches, such as irradiation, chemotherapy, or surveillance.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

Acidification of epididymal fluid in the boar.

The present study describes the measurement of pH made in vivo in the rete testis fluid and in different regions of the boar epididymis. Furthermore, samples of whole ejaculates, semen fractions, testicular (ductuli efferents/rete testis), epididymal and deferential fluids collected from the same fertile boars, were analysed for their acid/base status with an automatic blood gas analyser. A pH gradient of activity was found between the fluid entering the ductus epididymis (pH 7.2) and the region of sperm storage at the cauda (pH 6.5). A significantly lower concentration of bicarbonate ion was found in the cauda epididymidis (3-4 mM) compared to rete testis fluid (30 mM), which might be related to the quiescence of the spermatozoa. A significant increase in extracellular pH and bicarbonate concentration occurred at ejaculation, the bicarbonate levels being 9-10-fold higher in the semen fraction rich in seminal vesicle fluid, where sperm showed higher motility, than in the cauda epididymis.

Animals↗