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PubMed1986

Plasma lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides and lipoprotein lipase activity in epididymal white adipose tissue of rats fed high sucrose or high corn oil diets.

The present study was undertaken to compare plasma lipoprotein lipid composition, as well as white adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase activity, in rats fed purified diets high in either sucrose or corn oil. The experimental diets (65% of calories as sucrose or corn oil, 15% as the opposite nutrient, and 20% as casein) were given ad libitum for 4 weeks. An additional group was fed a nonpurified diet as a reference diet. Both sucrose and oil diets were spontaneously consumed in isocaloric amounts by the animals. Despite energy intakes that were 35% lower than that of the reference group, the sucrose and oil groups exhibited final body weights that were only 6 and 9% lower, respectively, than that of the reference group, and accumulated more fat in the epididymal depots. Postprandial as well as fasting total cholesterol levels were similar in the sucrose and oil groups, while the high-density lipoprotein to total cholesterol ratio was highest in the animals fed corn oil. In both the fasted and fed states, plasma total triglyceride levels were 73% higher in the sucrose group than in the corn oil group. The largest triglyceride differences due to diet were observed in the chylomicron + very-low-density lipoprotein fraction. The oil-fed rats accumulated large amounts of triglycerides in their livers. Postprandial lipoprotein lipase activity in epididymal adipose tissue was almost twice as high in the sucrose group as in the oil group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1993

Properties of cAMP-dependent and Ca(2+)-dependent whole cell Cl- conductances in rat epididymal cells.

Single rat epididymal cell studied under whole cell patch-clamp condition responded to 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (CPT-cAMP) (500 microM) and to ionomycin (1 microM) by an increase in whole cell conductance. A major part of the stimulated current was carried by Cl-, although a small part was due to nonselective cation current. After elimination of the cation current component by using impermeant cation, the cells revealed different Cl- conductance properties in response to adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and ionomycin. The cAMP-stimulated Cl- conductance was independent of time and voltage and showed a linear current-voltage relationship. The anion permselectivity was NO3- > Br- > Cl- approximately I- >> SO(4)2-. The ionomycin-stimulated Cl- conductance showed marked time and voltage dependency. In contrast to the cAMP-induced anion permselectivity, the ionomycin-induced anion permselectivity was I- > Br- approximately NO3- > Cl- >> SO(4)2-. These results indicate that the epididymal epithelial cells exhibit different Cl- conductances sensitive to cAMP and Ca2+. The cAMP-activated conductance has properties resembling the type associated with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator found in cystic fibrosis-affected epithelia. This finding supports the notion that the epididymis is a cystic fibrosis epithelium.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Characterization of a swelling-induced chloride conductance in cultured rat epididymal cells.

Swelling-induced Cl- conductance in cultured rat epididymal cells was characterized using whole cell patch-clamp techniques. Activation of whole cell current with an outwardly rectifying current-potential relationship was observed in cells exposed to hyposmotic solutions. This current was determined, from the observed current-reversal potentials at different Cl- concentrations, to be Cl- selective. The anion selectivity sequence of the swelling-induced Cl- conductance was I- approximately NO3- approximately Br- > Cl- > 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid. The swelling-induced Cl- conductance was reversibly inhibited by different Cl- channel blockers. Unlike diphenylamine-2-carboxylate or 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate, which showed voltage-independent blockade, 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid showed a marked voltage-dependent blockade of the volume-sensitive Cl- current, with a greater effect at depolarizing voltages. The swelling-induced Cl- conductance appeared to be different from the Ca(2+)- or adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-activated Cl- conductances on the basis of the following observations: 1) swelling-induced current activation was seen even in the presence of kinase inhibitor (H-8) or absence of external free Ca2+, and 2) further increase in current activation could be produced by swelling after Ca(2+)- or adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-induced current activation. The swelling-induced Cl- conductance may be involved in regulating epithelial cell volume as well as serving other important epididymal functions such as facilitating transepithelial secretion of organic compounds.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Characterization of nucleoside transport systems in cultured rat epididymal epithelium.

The nucleoside transport systems in cultured epididymal epithelium were characterized and found to be similar between the proximal (caput and corpus) and distal (cauda) regions of the epididymis. Functional studies revealed that 70% of the total nucleoside uptake was Na(+) dependent, while 30% was Na(+) independent. The Na(+)-independent nucleoside transport was mediated by both the equilibrative nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR)-sensitive system (40%) and the NBMPR-insensitive system (60%), which was supported by a biphasic dose response to NBMPR inhibition. The Na(+)-dependent [(3)H]uridine uptake was selectively inhibited 80% by purine nucleosides, indicating that the purine nucleoside-selective N1 system is predominant. Since Na(+)-dependent [(3)H]guanosine uptake was inhibited by thymidine by 20% and Na(+)-dependent [(3)H]thymidine uptake was broadly inhibited by purine and pyrimidine nucleosides, this suggested the presence of the broadly selective N3 system accounting for 20% of Na(+)-dependent nucleoside uptake. Results of RT-PCR confirmed the presence of mRNA for equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT) 1, ENT2, and concentrative nucleoside transporter (CNT) 2 and the absence of CNT1. It is suggested that the nucleoside transporters in epididymis may be important for sperm maturation by regulating the extracellular concentration of adenosine in epididymal plasma.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Microsurgical vasovasostomy versus microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration/testicular extraction of sperm combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection. A cost-benefit analysis.

PURPOSE: Vasovasostomy (VVS) represents the standard therapy of choice for the treatment of obstructive azoospermia following vasectomy. However, recently, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has been suggested by some to represent the solution for all cases of malefactor infertility regardless of its etiology based on its success rates. Therefore, we compared VVS to microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA)/testicular extraction of sperm (TESE) and ICSI in terms of pregnancy, complications, and costs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1/93 and 6/98, 157 VVS were performed microsurgically using the double-layer technique. Between 9/94 and 9/97, 69 and 42 couples underwent MESA/ICSI and TESE/ICSI, respectively, for epididymal obstruction and azoospermia of testicular origin. RESULTS: The mean interval of vasal obstruction was 7.6 (0.5-18) years; patency after VVS was 77%, pregnancy rate was 52%. Local complication rate was 4.7%, no major complications were observed. Costs per life birth after VVS were 5,447 DM or 2,793 Euro. Pregnancy rates after MESA/TESE and ICSI were 22.5 and 19.5%, respectively, with 16 singletons, 3 twins and 3 abortions; local complications occurred in 3.9% of the men. Multiple births were noticed in 15.8% following ICSI, but in only 0.7% following VVS. 5.7 and 1.4% of the female partners experienced serious complications (mild or severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, respectively). Costs per life birth after a MESA/TESE cycle amounted to 28,804 DM or 14,547 Euro. CONCLUSIONS: Even in the era of ICSI, microsurgical VVS represents the standard approach for obstructive azoospermia following vasectomy. Based on a cost-benefit analysis, VVS is more successful in terms of pregnancy rates (52 vs. 22.5%). VVS does not expose the female partners to complications following treatment of male infertility. In contrast to ICSI, multiple birth rates do not increase after VVS. We conclude that MESA/ICSI should be reversed for patients who are not amenable for microsurgical reconstruction.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Effects of abdominal location and epididymal or vasal obstructions either individually or in association on ipsilateral and contralateral testes. A histologic and DNA flow cytometric analyses.

OBJECTIVE: An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the damages in ipsilateral and contralateral testes in individual or associated presences of abdominal location and vasal or epididymal obstructions. METHODS: Six groups each consisting of 8 rats were established. The groups included sham operation, ligation of the vas deferens, detachment of the epididymis from testis, abdominal placement of the testis, abdominal placement of the testis with vas deferens ligation, and abdominal placement of the testis with detachment of epididymis from testis. After 30 days, bilateral orchidectomy was performed. Mean seminiferous tubular diameters (MSTD) and mean testicular biopsy scores (MTBS) were obtained for each testis. Relative proportions of haploid, diploid and tetraploid cells were determined by DNA flow cytometry. MSTD, MTBS and the proportions of haploid cells were compared through one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: While vas deferens ligation has diminished MSTD only in the contralateral testes, abdominal testis and detachment of epididymis have diminished MSTD in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes. MTBS were depressed only in the ipsilateral testes in groups of abdominal testis, vas deferens ligation and detachment of epdidymis. However, ratios of haploid DNA were depressed in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes. Abdominal testis together with vas ligation or detachment of epididymis has further depressed the ratios of haploid DNA in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes. CONCLUSION: Compared to their individual presence, the associated presence of abdominal testis and vasal or epididymal obstructions may augment the damages encountered within the ipsilateral and contralateral testes.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Characterization of contractile response to angiotensin in epididymal rat vas deferens.

Angiotensin had a dual action on the epididymal half of rat vas deferens. It potentiated electrical stimulated contraction and exerted a direct contractile effect on the muscle. The potentiation of electrically stimulated response may be mediated by presynaptic facilitation of neurotransmitter release. Muscular contractile response to angiotensin is concentration dependent. Angiotensin II was found to be much more potent than angiotensin III, and the order of potencies was angiotensin II > angiotensin I > angiotensin III. The presence of a mixture of protease inhibitors (10 microM chymostatin, 50 microM bacitracin, 10 microM leupeptin and 10 microM pepstatin) did not alter the contractile activity of angiotensin II. In contrast, angiotensin I (10 nM)-induced contraction was significantly reduced in the presence of ACE inhibitor SQ 20881 (500 nM). The angiotensin II induced contraction was not reduced by CGP 42112, a specific AT2 receptor antagonist, but was significantly inhibited by losartan, a specific AT1 receptor antagonist. Losartan shifted the dose-response curve of angiotensin II to the right with a pA2 value of 8.68. In addition, p-aminophenylalanine6 angiotensin II, which is proposed as an AT2 receptor agonist, did not induce contraction. It is concluded that the AT1 receptor predominantly mediates angiotensin-induced contraction in epididymal rat vas deferens.

Angiotensin I↗
PubMed1993

Immunoelectron microscopic distribution of actin in the spermatids and epididymal spermatozoa of the mouse.

The distribution of actin in spermatids and epididymal spermatozoa of the mouse was examined by electron microscopy with immunogold procedures using two monoclonal antiactin antibodies. Actin was identified by immunoblotting of proteins extracted from either whole spermatozoa or tail fractions. In round spermatids, actin immunolabeling was detected in the subacrosomal space. Labeling increased during the elongation phase, and then decreased and completely disappeared before spermiation. No labeling was found in epididymal spermatozoa and residual bodies. Our results suggest actin redistribution or the absence of G-actin from the head to the flagellum in mature murine spermatids, as previously shown in other studies in various mammals.

Actins↗
PubMed1986

Effects of the type of dietary fatty acid on the insulin receptor function in rat epididymal fat cells.

Feeding young rats diets containing sunflowerseed oil (SSO) or palm oil (PO) induced several differences in the properties of the isolated epididymal fat cells: insulin stimulated deoxyglucose uptake 127% over the basal value in cells of the SSO group but only 47% in those of the PO group; the insulin concentration giving half maximal stimulation differing only slightly; insulin binding to the cells was higher in the SSO group; Scatchard analysis revealed that this was due to a significantly higher number of low-affinity binding sites, and the epididymal fat pad showed a concomitant change in the fatty acid pattern of the phospholipids, reflecting to a limited extent the differences in the composition of the diets. Neither the average diameters of the isolated fat cells, nor the serum insulin level at the time of sacrifice of the rats differed for the two types of dietary fat. These results indicate that a diet high in linoleic acid (SSO) induces a better response of fat cells to insulin than a diet high in saturated fatty acids (PO).

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1988

Dietary influence on the insulin function in the epididymal fat cell of the Wistar rat. II. Effect of type of carbohydrate.

Newly weaned male specific pathogen-free Wistar rats were fed semipurified diets containing sunflowerseed oil or palm oil and various types of carbohydrates, i.e. sucrose, maize starch or potato starch for at least 3-4 weeks. Fat cells were isolated from the epididymal fat pads to study the sensitivity to insulin. The response to insulin of the cells was always higher for sunflowerseed oil than for palm oil. Diets containing polysaccharides were found to induce a higher response as compared to sucrose-containing diets. The changes in insulin response due to the type of carbohydrate were not accompanied by changes in insulin binding to the cells, or in the fatty acid composition of the membrane phospholipids. The fatty acid compositions of the triacylglycerol fractions from the epididymal fat pads reflected very well those of the dietary fats. In addition, the type of dietary carbohydrate had also some effect on this composition. The fecal fatty acid content was low and very similar after diets containing either sucrose or maize starch and sunflowerseed oil or palm oil, indicating that the difference in insulin function between the two dietary fats cannot be caused by a difference in fat absorption in the digestive tract. These findings, as well as the insulin concentrations in the blood samples after the various diets, suggest that the changes in insulin response due to the type of dietary carbohydrate are caused by postreceptor effects.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1997

Outcomes of multifetal pregnancy reduction in multiple pregnancies achieved by intracytoplasmic sperm injection using ejaculated, testicular, or epididymal sperm.

OBJECTIVE: To report the pregnancy outcome after transabdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction in multiple pregnancies achieved by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. METHODS: One twin and 13 triplet pregnancies obtained by intracytoplasmic sperm injection underwent pregnancy reduction. Pregnancies were achieved with ejaculated sperm in 8, testicular sperm in 3, and epididymal sperm in 2 of these cases. All triplet pregnancies were reduced to twins at 10-12 weeks' gestation by transabdominal potassium chloride injection. A twin pregnancy with spina bifida affecting 1 fetus was reduced to singleton at 18 weeks of pregnancy. RESULTS: There was no failed procedure and no pregnancy loss within the first 4 weeks after the procedure. A complete miscarriage (7.1%) developed in 1 case at 17 weeks' gestation which was due most probably to the incompetent cervix. In utero fetal death occurred in 1 fetus of another reduced pregnancy. Three of the reduced pregnancies delivered at term, after 37 completed weeks, four premature deliveries occurred between 31 and 35 gestational weeks, and four pregnancies were ongoing beyond 25 weeks' gestation. A total of 16 fetuses, from seven twin and two singleton pregnancies, were delivered without perinatal mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Although the sample size was small, our experience indicates that the reduction of triplets obtained by sophisticated infertility treatments such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection using testicular or epididymal sperm seems to be a safe method and can be effectively used.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed1968

Effect of early nutrition on the development of rat epididymal fat pads: cellularity and metabolism.

The effect of infantile nutritional levels on adipose tissue cellularity and metabolism was studied in two groups of Sprague-Dawley rats. Caloric intake was varied during the suckling period by manipulating litter size immediately after birth; however, all animals had free access to food after weaning. The epididymal fat pads of animals raised in small litters were heavier than those of their paired siblings raised in large litters. Initially, the differences in pad weight were accounted for primarily by differences in total cell number; however, at 20 wk both cell number and cell size contributed equally. The rate of glucose incorporation into CO(2) and triglyceride during in vitro incubations was the same for both groups if expressed on a per cell basis; therefore total tissue incorporation was greater in animals with more cells. The results support the hypothesis that early nutritional experiences can effect permanent changes in the cell number and size of the epididymal fat depot and that total cell number is important in the total metabolism of this organ. These findings and the fact that extreme human obesity is accompanied by similar alterations in cellularity and metabolism indicate that early nutritional experiences should be studied further as a guide to the etiology of obesity in man.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2004

Apoptosis in the epididymal epithelium of adult male golden hamster exposed to diethylstilbestrol.

Apoptosis in the testis and prostate exposed to disrupters of endocrine function, including diethylstilbestrol (DES), during neonatal or postnatal periods has repeatedly been demonstrated, but not in the mature epididymis. We investigated the effects of DES, a potent and synthetic estrogen, on apoptosis in the adult. Adult male golden hamsters received an SC injection of DES and were then sacrificed to collect epididymides after 1, 4, or 7 days of treatment. A significant decrease in epididymal weight and an increase in apoptotic cells were shown on the first day after DES injection. Flow cytometry showed that DES treatment (1 mg/kg) for 1, 4, or 7 days induced significant apoptosis both in the caput and the cauda epididymides. Greater numbers of apoptotic cells were detected in the caput than in the cauda at a fixed time after DES treatment. Serum levels of testosterone decreased markedly within 24 hr after DES administration, reaching undetectable levels of 0.1 ng/ml at 4 days and thereafter. These results indicate that DES administration can increase epididymal apoptosis with a decrease in serum testosterone levels. Because DES used to be injected into domestic animals, adult males also have a chance to take this substance through food. Our study indicates that exposure to DES in adults is as toxic as that in the perinatal period.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Sex hormones and epididymal sperm parameters in rats following sub-chronic treatment with hexavalent chromium.

Testicular atrophy and reduced epididymal sperm count are known to occur after i.p. administration of high doses of hexavalent chromium to rats. The effect of 0.5 mg kg-1 hexavalent chromium injected i.p. 5 d a week for 8 weeks was investigated in male Wistar rats. A significant reduction in epididymal sperm motility was found at the end of the exposure period. The reduction was reversed after an unexposed period of a further 8 weeks. In addition, a decrease in serum testosterone and an increase in FSH were found at the end of the exposure period. The results indicate that a number of mechanisms may be involved in the deleterious effects of chromate on male fecundity.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Calmodulin immunoelectron microscopy: redistribution during ram spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation. II.

Affinity-purified monospecific antibodies and indirect immunogold and immunoferritin labeling on ultra-thin sections of low-temperature Lowicryl K4M-embedded samples were used to study the redistribution of calmodulin in ram spermatids and epididymal spermatozoa at the electron microscopic level. Calmodulin appeared as an integral component of well-defined structures or organelles of these cells. In young spermatids, calmodulin was localized in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and developing acrosome. During spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation, calmodulin left the acrosome to reach the perinuclear substance and finally became concentrated in the post-acrosomal area of the head, although some calmodulin remained associated with the tip of the acrosome. Such a redistribution is consistent with the preferential location of Ca2+ in the post-acrosomal cytoplasm of ejaculated spermatozoa. Calmodulin was also observed in the flagellum associated with the plasma membrane and with the motility apparatus, between coarse fibers and axonemal microtubules. These changes in calmodulin distribution may account for the Ca2+-dependent regulation of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. Calmodulin therefore appears to be a pleiotropic regulator of male gamete development and functions.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

LCN6, a novel human epididymal lipocalin.

BACKGROUND: The lipocalin (LCN) family of structurally conserved hydrophobic ligand binding proteins is represented in all major taxonomic groups from prokaryotes to primates. The importance of lipocalins in reproduction and the similarity to known epididymal lipocalins prompted us to characterize the novel human epididymal LCN6. METHODS AND RESULTS: LCN6 cDNA was identified by database analysis in a comprehensive human library sequencing program. Macaca mulatta (rhesus monkey) cDNA was obtained from an epididymis cDNA library and is 93% homologous to the human. The gene is located on chromosome 9q34 adjacent LCN8 and LCN5. LCN6 amino acid sequence is most closely related to LCN5, but the LCN6 beta-barrel structure is best modeled on mouse major urinary protein 1, a pheromone binding protein. Northern blot analysis of RNAs isolated from 25 human tissues revealed predominant expression of a 1.0 kb mRNA in the epididymis. No other transcript was detected except for weak expression of a larger hybridizing mRNA in urinary bladder. Northern hybridization analysis of LCN6 mRNA expression in sham-operated, castrated and testosterone replaced rhesus monkeys suggests mRNA levels are little affected 6 days after castration. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that LCN6 protein is abundant in the caput epithelium and lumen. Immunofluorescent staining of human spermatozoa shows LCN6 located on the head and tail of spermatozoa with the highest concentration of LCN6 on the post-acrosomal region of the head, where it appeared aggregated into large patches. CONCLUSIONS: LCN6 is a novel lipocalin closely related to Lcn5 and Lcn8 and these three genes are likely products of gene duplication events that predate rodent-primate divergence. Predominant expression in the epididymis and location on sperm surface are consistent with a role for LCN6 in male fertility.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2004

Glucocorticoid receptor and Beta-adrenoceptor expression in epididymal adipose tissue from stressed rats.

Adipocytes isolated from epididymal adipose tissue of foot-shock stressed rats are supersensitive to isoprenaline and subsensitive to norepinephrine. These alterations are probably mediated by a stress-induced increase in plasma corticosterone levels. We investigated whether foot-shock stress modifies the expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and beta-adrenergic protein receptors (beta-ARs) in epididymal adipose tissue from rats submitted to one daily foot-shock session on three consecutive days. This stress protocol caused decreases in GR, beta(1)-AR, and beta(3)-AR protein levels, but caused an increase in beta(2)-AR. These results confirm and support previous functional studies. The alterations in protein expression may be modulated by the high corticosterone levels that downregulate the glucocorticoid receptor.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2003

The 5'-flanking region of the murine epididymal protein of 17 kilodaltons gene targets transgene expression in the epididymis.

A murine epididymal retinoic-acid-binding protein (mE-RABP) is specifically expressed in the mid/distal caput epididymidis and is androgen regulated. The murine epididymal protein of 17 kDa (mEP17) gene, a novel gene homologous to mE-RABP, is located within 5 kb of the 5'-flanking region of the mE-RABP gene. In contrast, expression of the mEP17 gene is restricted to the initial segment and regulated by factor(s) contained in testicular fluid. To identify cis-DNA regulatory element(s) involved in the tissue- and region-specific expression of the mEP17 gene in transgenic mice, we have studied the expression of a transgene containing 5.3 kb of the 5'-flanking region of the mEP17 gene (5.3mEP17) linked to chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene. Significant caput epididymidis-specific CAT activity was detected in transgenic mouse lines; and CAT gene expression is restricted to the initial segment, as is the expression of the endogenous mEP17 gene. Ontogenic expression and testicular factor dependency also mimic that of endogenous mEP17 gene. These results suggest that the 5.3mEP17 fragment contains all the information required for spatial and temporal expression in the mouse epididymis. The 5.3mEP17 fragment will be useful to express a foreign gene of interest in the epididymis in an initial segment-specific manner.

Animals↗