Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “EPIDIDYMITIS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,225 records · Page 68Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

[Effect of cocaine on the contractile response to noradrenaline in the epididymal and prostatic regions of the vas deferens].

In the prostatic half of the rat vas deferens, the response to noradrenaline under the cocaine effect revealed a phasic and a tonic components, whereas in the epididymal portion of the vas deferens there only occurred the tonic component. Cocaine increased the maximal tonic contractile response to noradrenaline in the epididymal portion and the maximal phasic response--in the prostatic one. Mechanisms of direct postsynaptic action of cocaine are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Testicular regulation of epididymal gene expression.

Normal epididymal function is regulated by androgens and testicular factors. Our studies have been directed towards identifying testicular factors that regulate the function of the initial segment and the mechanisms by which this is achieved. The initial segment appears to be critical for normal sperm maturation in view of recent gene knock-out studies. Previous and ongoing studies from this and other laboratories have shown that the expression of several genes including proenkephalin, cystatin-related epididymal specific (CRES), 5 alpha-reductase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) within the initial segment is highly dependent upon the presence of testicular factors. A lumicrine mechanism of regulation of these genes is proposed. The regulation of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is described as a model enzyme for studying the role and identification of testicular factors. GGT appears to play an important role in the protection of spermatozoa from oxidative stress. Multiple GGT mRNAs (II-IV) are expressed within the epididymis, but GGT mRNA IV is the only form that is highly expressed in the initial segment, especially within zone 1A, and is regulated by testicular factors. Testicular factors control this transcript by regulating both its rate of transcription and its stability. Evidence is presented to suggest that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a candidate testicular factor that regulates GGT activity in the epididymis. Basic FGF may regulate gene expression in the epididymis via the ras-raf-MAPK second messenger pathway and by members of the Ets transcription family.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Interactions between epididymal secretions and spermatozoa.

The interactions between spermatozoa and epididymal secretions are reviewed with respect to the nature of the interactions, the maturity of the spermatozoa and the environment in which spermatozoa mature. The estimated ionic strength of epididymal fluid is low enough for all peripheral proteins to be in close contact with the membrane. Two sorts of interactions are evident, those dependent on the state of the maturity of the spermatozoa (for example peripheral proteins and some integral proteins) and those independent of it (many integral proteins). For the former, a change in the sperm membrane charge must occur to permit recognition of peripheral proteins and the insertion of secreted charged integral membrane proteins may precede the interaction with more distally secreted products. For integral proteins, partition into the membrane may depend on the composition of the plasma membrane. Changes in the sterol content of particular domains have been documented and an array of lipid-binding proteins secreted by the epididymis may mediate these changes. The dependence of the transfer of lipid-anchored proteins to spermatozoa on membranous vesicles invites reassessment of the situation of spermatozoa within the epididymis and their contact with membranous vesicles and merocrine secretions that may be crucial to promoting physiological changes in spermatozoa.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Receptor tyrosine kinase c-ros knockout mice as a model for the study of epididymal regulation of sperm function.

Despite recent advances in understanding sperm function and characterization of epididymal secretion products, little is known about the mechanisms regulating the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa during maturation. The recently produced receptor tyrosine kinase c-ros knockout mouse has provided the first transgenic model for such study. The only abnormalities in these transgenic mice are shown in homozygous mutant males whose epididymis fails to develop the initial segment. Normal matings by these mice do not result in oocyte fertilization, but in vitro fertilization is successful. Detailed analysis of the development of sperm motility per se did not reveal any gross abnormalities that could explain infertility in vivo. Studies on c-ros, which is expressed temporarily in a few embryonic organs but solely and at high levels in the epididymis in adults, are few and nothing is known about its putative ligand or substrates. Review of the literature on other family members of receptor tyrosine kinases throws hardly any light on its role in epididymal function affecting sperm maturation. The preliminary observations that the majority of motile spermatozoa exhibit angulation in the tail and further findings suggest a defect in the volume regulation mechanism which would normally develop during sperm maturation. This finding has provided a starting point for further research to establish the link between abnormal epididymides and sterility.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Actin and actin-binding proteins in bovine spermatozoa: potential role in membrane remodeling and intracellular signaling during epididymal maturation and the acrosome reaction.

The actin cytoskeleton influences a wide range of functions in nonmuscle somatic cells, including shape, movement, and interactions with extracellular matrices. The role of actin in mammalian male germ cells, however, particularly during post-testicular development, is not well understood. In this paper, we examine 1) the distribution of 3 actin-regulatory proteins (thymosin beta10, destrin, and a testis-specific actin capping protein) involved in controlling the balance between actin monomers (G-actin) and actin filaments (F-actin), and 2) the distribution and polymerization status of actin in bull spermatozoa during epididymal maturation and following acrosomal exocytosis. Results show that in fixed, permeabilized testicular spermatozoa all 3 regulatory proteins (as determined by binding of specific antibodies) are localized primarily to the acrosomal domain but during epididymal maturation they become confined to the equatorial segment. Following ejaculation, however, they extend back into the acrosomal region. In spermatozoa induced to undergo an acrosome reaction with the calcium ionophore, A23187, further rearrangement occurs with destrin, thymosin beta10, and TS-ACP appearing in the postacrosomal domain. Actin is also found over the acrosome of testicular spermatozoa with both G- and F-actin present, although the 2 forms show slightly different patterns of distribution. Subsequently, actin in the sperm head is largely confined to the equatorial segment until F-actin appears in the postacrosomal domain of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. This redistribution of actin and actin-regulatory proteins, coupled with changing levels of actin polymerization, suggest a continuing role for actin in both post-testicular sperm maturation and acrosomal exocytosis.

Acrosome Reaction↗
PubMed2000

Inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopic and flame photometric analysis of goat epididymal fluid.

AIM: The elemental composition of the epididymal luminal fluid (ELF) in adult goat (Capra indica) was investigated. METHODS: ELF was collected by micropuncture from twelve sites along the epididymal duct. The elemental contents was analyzed with inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectroscopy, a microanalytical technique that can simultaneously measure many elements in minute volumes of sample. The Na and K concentrations were determined by flame photometry. RESULTS: ICP spectroscopy showed the presence of copper, calcium, nickel, iron, magnesium, chromium, titanium and zinc in ELF, with fluctuating levels at different sites along the length of the epididymis. Cadmium, cobalt, lead and manganese were not found. The Na+/K+ ratio was seen to be higher at the initial segments of the epididymis and lower at the distal. CONCLUSION: It is proposed that the observed characteristic distribution of elements in ELF may have far reaching implications in sperm maturation and storage known to occur in the epididymis.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Transgenic technologies for the study of epididymal function.

Sperm mature and acquire the capacity for fertilization during their transit through the epididymis, however little is known of the molecular events that comprise sperm maturation. Recent advances in transgenic mouse technology hold promise for illumination of this process. Most of the existing infertile, transgenic mouse lines seem to have defects in epithelial structure or sperm transport rather than direct defects in the maturation of sperm. Temporally and spatially restricted targeted disruptions of epididymal specific genes should provide great insight into the epididymal contribution to sperm maturation.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Epididymal growth and differentiation are altered in human cryptorchidism.

Despite the knowledge and histological classification of testicular lesions, epididymal lesions associated with cryptorchidism are not well defined and only macroscopic alterations have been reported. We have evaluated the alterations in the growth of both the epithelium and muscular wall of efferent ducts and epididymis in human patients with cryptorchidism from infancy to adulthood. In addition, by cytokeratin immunostaining we have also evaluated the stage of differentiation of each segment along the human postnatal life in these patients. A decrease is shown in the size of efferent and epididymal ducts in cryptorchid children compared with normal, age-matched controls. The height of the epithelium, muscular wall, and lumen of the cryptorchid epididymis were reduced at every age studied. This decrease in all regions was seen even in the testicular quiescent period (1 to 4 years of age). In addition, the cryptorchid epididymis grows more slowly during the transition to the pubertal period. The smaller size of the cryptorchid epididymis in pubertal and adult men compared with that of normal men is due primarily to underdevelopment of the muscular wall and a reduction in epithelial height. The pattern of growth of cryptorchid efferent ducts and ductus epididymides parallels that in normal men, except that development of the lumen and muscular layer in the cauda epididymis region are delayed. Epithelial differentiation, monitored by cytokeratin expression, is minimal in efferent ducts and throughout the epididymis of the cryptorchid male, and this is already seen in children. In conclusion, our immunohistochemical and morphometric results show a reduced development of the human cryptorchid epididymis that is already evident in childhood. They indicate that cryptorchidism is a primary congenital illness of the testis and spermatic ducts, with evident lesions from the first years of life, and suggest that surgical descent would probably not be able to completely reverse these alterations.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Solitary epididymal schistosomiasis.

A 54-year-old Canadian presented with a 1-month history of painless swelling in the right testis. The diagnosis was thought to be a sperm granuloma, a leiomyoma, or an adenomatoid tumour of the epididymis; histologic examination, however, revealed evidence of schistosomiasis, probably due to Schistosoma haematobium. Solitary schistosomiasis of the epididymis has been reported previously in only two cases. Epididymal schistosomiasis has never been diagnosed preoperatively because it is so rare, but even if it were suspected preoperatively and confirmed by biopsy, chemotherapy alone would not prevent impairment of epididymal function due to scarring. Surgical excision of the lesion, therefore, is recommended.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Effect of methoxychlor on antioxidant system of goat epididymal sperm in vitro.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of methoxychlor on the antioxidant system of goat epididymal sperm. METHODS: Epididymis of adult goat was obtained from local slaughter houses and sperm were collected by chopping the epididymis in modified Ringer' s phosphate solution (RPS). After several washings, the sperm samples were dispersed in RPS and incubated with methoxychlor (1 micromol/L, 10 micromol/L and 100 micromol/L) and methoxychlor + vitamin C (100 micromol/L each) for 3 h at 32 degrees C. After incubation, the sperm motility and viability were assessed. An aliquot of sperm sample was homogenized, centrifuged and used for the assay of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and lipid peroxidation. RESULTS: In methoxychlor-incubated sperm and in sperm co-incubated with methoxychlor and vitamin C, the sperm motility and viability showed no significant changes as compared to the corresponding controls. In methoxychlor-incubated sperm the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase were decreased while lipid peroxidation was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Co-incubation of sperm with methoxychlor and vitamin C showed no changes in the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase and in the level of lipid peroxidation. CONCLUSION: Methoxychlor induced oxidative stress in epididymal sperm of goats by decreasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes. Co-incubation of sperm with methoxychlor and vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, reversed the effect of methoxychlor.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Taurine and hypotaurine in spermatozoa and epididymal fluid of cats.

Taurine and hypotaurine have been found in spermatozoa and seminal plasma of numerous species and are known to have beneficial effects on sperm characteristics in mammals. Taurine is considered an essential dietary constituent in cats. Dietary deficiency has been associated with a range of serious clinical disorders. Quantification of taurine and hypotaurine in the genital tracts of male cats has not been reported. In this study, the concentrations of taurine and its precursors were measured in serum, spermatozoa, epididymal fluid and seminal plasma from cats. The concentrations of taurine measured in serum samples confirmed that the cats were not deficient in taurine. Significant amounts of taurine and hypotaurine were found in spermatozoa, seminal plasma and epididymal flushing fluid. Hypotaurine was not detected in serum samples. These results indicate that hypotaurine may be synthesized in cat testes or epididymides. Cysteamine was not detected in any of the samples.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Differential diagnosis of epididymal leiomyoma. Report of a new case].

OBJECTIVE: A case of epididymal leiomyoma is presented. This lesion is uncommon and sometimes misdiagnosed. The literature is briefly reviewed. METHODS/RESULTS: A 29-year-old patient presented with a tumor in the tail of the right epididymis that was initially diagnosed as scrotal hematoma or complex cyst in the tail of the epididymis. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound has an important role in distinguishing testicular from epididymal tumors. However, if the diagnosis is unclear, surgical resection and subsequent anatomopathological analysis must be performed.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Antioxidative effect of fullerenol on goat epididymal spermatozoa.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of fullerenol on the antioxidant system of goat epididymal sperm. METHODS: Fresh epididymides of adult goats were obtained from local slaughter houses and sperm were collected by chopping the epididymis in modified Ringer's phosphate solution (RPS medium). After several washings the sperm samples were equally dispersed in RPS medium and incubated with fullerenol (1, 10 and 100 micromol) and FeSO(4)/ascorbate (40/200 micromol) with or without fullerenol (1, 10 and 100 micromol) for 3 h at 32 degree C. After incubation, an aliquot of sperm samples were homogenized and centrifuged and the supernatant used for biochemical studies. RESULTS: In FeSO(4)/ascorbate-incubated samples, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, were decreased while lipid peroxidation increased as compared to the control sperm samples. In fullerenol-incubated sperm samples, the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were increased while lipid peroxidation was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Co-incubation of sperm with fullerenol (1,10 and 100 micromol) and FeSO(4)/ascorbate (40/200 micromol) increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and prevented the iron-induced elevation of lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Fullerenol reduces iron-induced oxidative stress in epididymal sperm of goat by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and decreasing lipid peroxidation.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

[Epididymal sperm protein P34H and male reproduction].

During epididymal transit, mammalian spermatozoa acquire new surface proteins that are necessary for gamete interaction. P34H, a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase(SDR) superfamily, is acquired on the acrosomal cap of human spermatozoon during its maturation arising within epididymis. P34H has been shown to be involved in sperm-zona pellucida interaction. Research revealed that the occurrence of low concentration of sperm protein P34H were significant amongst the idiopathic infertile male population and P34H protein could also be considered as a marker of epididymal sperm maturation in human. Therefore the level of sperm protein P34H is proposed to be a auxiliary diagnostic tool for male infertility. This paper reviews the molecular properties and regulation of the expression of P34H and its association with male reproduction.

Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase↗
PubMed2003

[Primary epididymal leiomyoma: a case report].

A 53-year-old man came to our hospital complaining of painful induration in the left scrotum. It was difficult to determine by manual palpation whether the induration was derived from the testis or paratesticular tissues including epididymis. Computerized tomographic scanning and ultrasonography revealed a left paratesticular mass, 3 cm in diameter, with unclear margin of the atrophic testis, which was suspected as originating from the epididymis. Although tumor extirpation was intended, he underwent inguinal orchiectomy due to strong adhesion of the mass to the ipsilateral atrophic testis. The tumor was opalescent, gum elastic, and solid, measuring 5 x 3 x 2 cm in size. Histopathological examination revealed a primary leiomyoma of the epididymis. The details of this rare case of primary epididymal leiomyoma that originated from the epididymal tail are reported herein.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1992

Epididymal sperm in assisted reproductive technology.

Infertile men with obstructive azoospermia mainly due to congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD) now have the option of trying to father their own progeny. In fact, in the last five years epididymal sperm retrieval microsurgically have been successfully used for in vitro fertilisation of human oocytes. In this report the clinical results of 98 consecutive procedures of microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) combined with in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and tubal embryo transfer (TET) are described. An overall fertilisation rate of 17% and a pregnancy rate of 36% per transfer is reported. Five of the 18 pregnancies resulted in abortion (27%) and 13 were delivered at term. Additionally, extra embryos for freezing and potential use for future attempts were made available for 13 couples. Men with CAVD have also allowed the study of spermatogenesis, immunological response and sperm disposal mechanisms in condition of chronic obstruction.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Oligospermia associated with normal testicular function and epididymal lesions or malpositions.

Epididymal disease is in our experience responsible for about 40 per cent of male infertility situations. The diagnosis of epididymal oligospermia can be suspected by the presence of firm normal volume testicles, by the absence of any elevation of FSH, and eventually, by a (slightly) hardened epididymis at palpation. The definite diagnosis however will only be established by quantitative reading of the testicular biopsy. Besides in oligospermic patients clinical information isolates an eventual new group where healthy epididymis could interfere with sperm quality by its malposition.

Epididymis↗
PubMed2003

[Obstructive azoospermia in men who wish to father children; initial clinical results of intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) with surgically retrieved epididymal semen].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) with surgically retrieved epididymal semen. DESIGN: Prospective, descriptive. METHODS: Patients with an obstructive azoospermia confirmed by cytological examination of a testis biopsy, and conforming to the regular IVF/ICSI criteria as laid down in 2001 at the University Medical Centre St Radboud Nijmegen, the Netherlands, were included for percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and ICSI. The main outcome measure was the ongoing pregnancy rate per initiated cycle. RESULTS: A total of 44 cycles were started in 31 couples. In 43 cases (98%) an ovum pick-up was performed and 41 (93%) embryo transfers were carried out. In 19 (43%) cases, treatment resulted in a positive pregnancy test and 15 (34%) ongoing pregnancies were recorded. In total, 17 healthy children were born (11 boys and 6 girls). CONCLUSION: ICSI with surgically retrieved semen was successfully used as a treatment for childlessness caused by obstructive azoospermia.

Adult↗