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PubMed1981

[Effects on the mouse epididymis of juvenile ligation of the ductuli efferentes or proximal epididymal duct: qualitative and quantitative histological studies (author's transl)].

The ductuli efferentes or the epididymal duct between the head and body were ligated in young mice aged 20-30 days, and effects of the ligation on the epididymis were histologically examined by means of qualitative and quantitative procedures at the age of 50-60 days. As reported previously (Takano, 1980), the epididymal duct of the mouse can be divided into five regions (regions I-V). On the morphometric basis, the five regions can be divided into two major portions, proximal and distal. The proximal portion consists of regions I, II and III which form the head of the epididymis. The distal portion is composed of regions IV and V which form the body and tail of the organ. The results of the qualitative and quantitative analysis in the previous study suggested that the proximal portion is functionally related with maturation of sperms and the distal portion is concerned with storage of sperms. Juvenile ligation of the ductuli efferentes or the epididymal duct between the proximal and distal portions caused the following changes in the epididymal duct. 1. Region I, "initial segment", was normally characterized by the lining of high columnar epithelial cells. Juvenile ligation of the ductuli efferentes impaired differentiation of region I, but not that of the remaining regions. Epididymal duct ligation between regions III and IV, on the other hand, exerted no influence on differentiation of the entire duct. Thus differentiation of region I is dependent upon the luminal contents transferred from the testis. 2. The luminal contents were stored in abundance in the distal portion after ligation of the ductuli efferentes, as were in the case of the normal control. On the other hand, the luminal contents were abundant in th proximal portion and scanty in the distal portion after epididymal duct ligation between the proximal and distal portions. These results suggest that the luminal contents may be produced in the proximal portion even after ligation of the ductuli efferentes, transported into the distal portion and stored there. 3. In region IV, the epithelium showed marked histological changes after ligation of the ductuli efferentes or the epididymal duct between regions III and IV. After ligation of the ductuli efferentes, PAS-positive granules and masses frequently appeared in the epithelial cells. After epididymal duct ligation between regions III and IV, clear vacuolated cells and large vacuole-like spaces frequently appeared within the epithelium. Thus it is likely that the epithelial cells of region IV are functionally related to the luminal contents stored.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2003

Epididymitis in infants with anorectal malformation.

OBJECTIVE: To document the characteristics of epididymitis in boys with anorectal malformations. METHODS: Sixty-six boys with anorectal malformation were treated between January 1990 and January 2000, in our center. Four of these boys experienced epididymitis attacks. The first three patients had rectourinary fistula and the fourth had a low type anorectal malforation without a rectourinary fistula. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for seven to nine years and epididymitis did not recur after the definitive operation in the first three patients. The fourth patient had four other episodes of epididymitis postoperatively and no reason for these episodes could be found during the further urological evaluation. Two patients had urinary tract infection and one patient had urinary tract contamination during their episodes of epididymitis. CONCLUSION: The cause of the epididymitis can be anorectal malformation with rectourethral fistula itself or another urogenital anomaly that is associated with anorectal malformation. There is a relationship between urinary tract infection and epididymitis in these patients.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Epididymitis, orchitis, and related conditions.

Epididymitis is the most common intrascrotal inflammation. Retrograde ascent of pathogens is the usual route of infection. Nonspecific bacterial epididymitis is caused by various aerobic bacteria, is frequently associated with anatomic abnormalities, and represents the most common type of epididymitis in older men. Sexually transmitted epididymitis is usually caused by Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae and represents the most frequent cause of acute scrotal swelling in men younger than 35 years of age. Underlying urologic abnormalities are uncommon in patients with sexually transmitted epididymitis. Systemic infections and trauma are unusual causes of epididymitis. Orchitis is less common than epididymitis. Blood-borne dissemination is the major route of testicular infection. With the exception of viral diseases, genitourinary tract infections seldom involve the testis primarily. Mumps is the most frequent cause of viral orchitis. Pyogenic orchitis usually results from an inflammatory process in the epididymis. Systemic dissemination of granulomatous infections may occasionally cause orchitis.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Clinical features of patients with Behçet's disease and epididymitis.

PURPOSE: Epididymitis is a rare manifestation of Behçet's disease but its clinical significance is still not fully understood. We evaluated the clinical significance of epididymitis in patients with Behçet's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 780 male patients attending our clinics between 1985 and 2002 who were diagnosed with Behçet's disease by international criteria or who had the complete or incomplete type of Behçet's disease by Japanese criteria 36 were identified with epididymitis. Clinical data on these patients were reviewed. RESULTS: The 36 patients were categorized into the complete (13 or 36.1%) and incomplete (23 or 63.9%) types of Behçet's disease with an average age at onset of 27.4 years. The frequency of individual symptoms were oral ulcers and cutaneous involvement in all 36 cases (100%), genital ulcers in 32 (88.9%), arthritis in 18 (50.0%), ocular involvement in 17 (47.2%), central nervous system involvement in 2 (5.6%), gastrointestinal ulcer in 1 (2.8%) and a positive pathergy test in 4 (11.1%). A significantly higher number of patients with epididymitis had genital ulcers (p <0.05), cutaneous involvement (p <0.001), arthritis (p <0.05), central nervous system involvement (p <0.05) and a positive pathergy test (p <0.05) compared with the other 744 with Behçet's disease without epididymitis who served as controls. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge there has been no controlled study of the clinical significance of epididymitis in Behçet's disease. Our results suggest a tendency toward severe Behçet's disease manifestations in patients with epididymitis, prompting physicians to evaluate closely and meticulously treat such patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Oxidative and antioxidative status in the testes of rats with acute epididymitis.

INTRODUCTION: Epididymitis is an inflammation or infection of the epididymis, a convoluted duct that lies on the posterior surface of the testicle. Oxidative stress due to excessive production of reactive oxygen species in epididymitis, impaired antioxidant defense mechanisms, or both, precipitates a range of pathologies that are currently believed to negatively affect the male reproductive function. How oxidative stress affects the testes is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the oxidative and antioxidative status of testes of rats with unilateral acute Escherichia coli epididymitis. METHODS: The study included 36 male Wistar albino rats which were divided into three groups. In the epididymitis group (n = 12), an E. coli suspension was injected into the right ductus deferens of rats, and the same amount of saline was injected in the saline groups (n = 12). No surgery was performed in the control group (n = 12) for baseline values. Rats were sacrificed after 24 h and the epididymis and testes removed. The infection was confirmed by histopathologic evaluation and microbiological tests. The oxidative status of testes was evaluated by measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and antioxidative status was evaluated by measuring total antioxidant response (TAR) and total antioxidant capacity levels (TAC). RESULTS: MPO activity in both the ipsilateral and contralateral testes of the epididymitis group was significantly higher than those of the saline and control groups (p < 0.05). The TAR and TAC levels in both testes were also significantly elevated in the epididymitis group versus the two other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acute epididymitis causes an increase of oxidative stress in the ipsilateral and contralateral testes, but this condition is strived for to tolerate the increase of endogenous antioxidants.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1998

A retrospective review of pediatric patients with epididymitis, testicular torsion, and torsion of testicular appendages.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare historical features, physical examination findings, and testicular color Doppler ultrasound in pediatric patients with epididymitis, testicular torsion, and torsion of appendix testis. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with the diagnosis of epididymitis, testicular torsion, or torsion of appendix testis. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included in the study (64 with epididymitis, 13 with testicular torsion, and 13 with torsion of appendix testis). Historical features did not differ among groups except for duration of symptoms. Of 13 patients with testicular torsion all had a tender testicle and an absent cremasteric reflex. When compared with the testicular torsion group, fewer patients with epididymitis had a tender testicle (69%) or an absent cremasteric reflex (14%). 62 (97%) patients with epididymitis had a tender epididymis and 43 (67%) had scrotal erythema/edema. By comparison, 3 (23%) and 5 (38%) patients with testicular torsion had a tender epididymis or scrotal erythema/edema, respectively. Doppler ultrasound showed decreased or absent blood flow in 8 patients, 7 of whom were diagnosed with testicular torsion. Ten out of 13 patients with testicular torsion had a salvageable testicle at the time of surgery. CONCLUSION: The physical examination is helpful in distinguishing among epididymitis, testicular torsion, and torsion of appendix testis. Patients presenting with a tender testicle and an absent cremasteric reflex were more likely to have a testicular torsion rather than epididymitis or torsion of appendix testis. An absent cremasteric reflex was the most sensitive physical finding for diagnosing testicular torsion. Color Doppler ultrasound is a useful adjunct in the evaluation of the acute scrotum when physical findings are equivocal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Traumatic epididymitis: evaluation with color Doppler sonography.

OBJECTIVE: We performed this study to determine whether scrotal trauma can cause hyperemia of the epididymis. This diagnosis is helpful because traumatic epididymitis can be treated conservatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed color Doppler and gray-scale sonograms of five patients who had suffered trauma to the scrotum that resulted in epididymal hyperemia, which we called traumatic epididymitis. We also reviewed the presentation and management of each patient. RESULTS: Color Doppler sonography revealed focal (one patient) and diffuse (four patients) hyperemia. Gray-scale images revealed epididymal enlargement in all patients. These findings were indistinguishable from those of infectious epididymitis by sonography. One patient also had hyperemia of the testis. Four of the five patients were managed conservatively; the other underwent surgical exploration for a coexisting testicular rupture. CONCLUSION: Careful evaluation of the epididymis with both gray-scale and color Doppler sonography should be part of every sonographic survey of the scrotum for blunt trauma. Traumatic epididymitis, which may be noted on color Doppler images, should not be confused with infectious epididymitis. Surgery is not necessary unless another injury requires it.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Epididymal markers in human infertility.

Alpha-glucosidase, glycerophosphocholine, and L-carnitine were measured in sperm-free seminal plasma to determine whether these markers reflected the epididymal function of men attending an infertility clinic. The putative markers correlated well with each other (r = 0.66 to 0.70) and in 92% of 283 cases were accurate in categorizing semen as containing normal or subnormal amounts of markers. Glucosidase was considered the best index of epididymal function and was used for a further 306 samples. The ejaculate content of epididymal markers was correlated with testicular volume and serum testosterone below values of 30 ml and 30 nmol/l, respectively. Markers were also correlated with the concentration and motility of spermatozoa in semen. Seventy-one of 425 patients (17%) displayed subnormal epididymal secretions, mainly in association with hypogonadism (Klinefelter syndrome, Kallman syndrome, idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) but also in cases of obstructed ducts, maldescended testicles, and local irradiation following hemicastration. Because azoospermic patients had reduced epididymal markers with both high and low FSH levels and a large proportion of men with reduced glucosidase and normal FSH suffered from testicular failure, it is suggested that other indices of testicular function are required for correct interpretation of reduced epididymal markers. Thirteen patients (3%) had low markers for which no cause was apparent; these may be cases of infertility due to isolated epididymal dysfunction.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Effect of culture conditions on the obtention of boar epididymal epithelial cell monolayers.

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of the collagenase digestion time, the initial density of fragments and the culture temperature on the obtention of a boar epididymal epithelial cell culture, which is a useful methodology for the study of epididymal functions. A confluent monolayer of caput, corpus and cauda epididymal epithelial cells was only obtained when an adequate enzymatic digestion of the connective tissue surrounding the epididymal tubule was performed. For the correct digestion of caput and corpus fragments two collagenase digestions of 2 and 1h, respectively, were enough. Cauda fragments, however, needed two collagenase digestions of 3h each. A confluent monolayer of caput, corpus and cauda epididymal epithelial cells was obtained regardless of the initial density tested (15, 30, 60 and 90fragments/well). However, cultures originated from 15 and 30fragments/well showed higher cell concentration during the first 2 weeks of culture than cultures originated from 60 and 90fragments/well. A confluent monolayer of caput, corpus and cauda epididymal epithelial cells was obtained at both 32 and 37 degrees Celsius, but at 32 degrees Celsius cells grew very slowly and confluence was not reached until a week later than it was with cells growing at 37 degrees Celsius. In conclusion, we have observed that the time of digestion with collagenase is an important factor for the successful establishment of boar epididymal cell monolayers, and that the initial density of fragments and the culture temperature should be taken into account.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Concentrations of carnitine, glutamate and myo-inositol in epididymal fluid and spermatozoa from boars.

This study examines the concentrations of carnitine, glutamate and myo-inositol in fluid and spermatozoa from six epididymal regions. Samples were taken from six post-pubertal boars, and the sperm concentration, the protein concentration in epididymal fluid and the concentrations of carnitine, myo-inositol and glutamate in the epididymal fluid and spermatozoa were analysed. In epididymal fluid the concentration of myo-inositol decreased in a proximo-distal direction, whereas intraluminal concentrations of L-carnitine and L-glutamate increased distally. As changes in the concentration of these solutes did not parallel changes in sperm concentration, this may reflect secretion or absorption of theses solutes. The sperm content of inositol fell as they moved from the distal caput whereas glutamate content increased from the distal caput to more distal regions and carnitine content remained unchanged during epididymal transit. This is the first attempt to elucidate the changes in the content of glutamate and inositol in epididymal spermatozoa of mammals and in the fluid from different epididymal regions of boars.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1979

Epididymal extravasation following vasectomy as a cause for failure of vasectomy reversal.

Twenty-eight men undergoing vasectomy reversal who were found to have no sperm in the proximal vas fluid on one or both sides underwent microscopic epididymal exploration. In 33 of 39 cases so explored, normal sperm were found in the epididymal fluid of the corpus, despite absence of sperm in the vas fluid. Epididymal histology distal to this site revealed extensive interstitial sperm granulomas resulting from rupture of the epididymal duct. Testicular biopsy revealed normal spermatogenesis. Secondary epididymal obstructions were noted when there was copious fluid in the vas deferens proximal to the vasectomy site as well as when there was scanty fluid. It is concluded that persistent azoospermia after an accurate microscopic vasovasostomy results from the secondary epididymal obstruction induced by rupture of the epididymal duct related to the pressure increase after vasectomy.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Correlation between epididymal length and fertilization rate in men with congenital absence of the vas deferens.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the variable length of the epididymides in men with congenital absence of the vas deferens might have a correlation with IVF and pregnancy rate results. DESIGN: Microsurgical retrieval of epididymal sperm from men with congenital absence of the vas deferens and their use for IVF. SETTING: Center for Reproductive Health, University of California, Irvine, California. PATIENTS: One hundred eight men with confirmed diagnosis of congenital absence of the vas deferens enrolled in the microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration and IVF program. INTERVENTIONS: Measurement in centimeters of the epididymal length at the time of the sperm aspiration procedure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Rates of fertilization and pregnancy according to the epididymal length. RESULTS: Three groups were identified: group I (n = 29), epididymal length between 0.5 and 1.9 cm; group II (n = 66), length between 2.0 and 4.0 cm; and group III (n = 13), length in excess of 4.0 cm. Although the aspiration site was the proximal caput for each case, patients of group III had the highest fertilization and pregnancy rate (24% and 43%, respectively). Patients with the shortest epididymis (group I) had the worst IVF outcome (fertilization rate 7% and pregnancy rate 7%) whereas in group II the fertilization rate was 13% and the pregnancy rate was 18%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that epididymal sperm from men with congenital absence of the vas deferens having a longer epididymis have a better IVF rate. A long epididymis can allow [1] the arrival of more frequent waves of fresh sperm whereas in a short epididymis the system is completely congested and occupied by old and senescent sperm, [2] less obstructive damages, and [3] a back flow of biochemical factors produced in the more distal segments that could ultimately enhance the fertilization capacity of proximal epididymal sperm.

Epididymis↗
PubMed2000

Cryopreservation of epididymal sperm obtained at necropsy from goats.

In the field of transgenic production, the ability to carry a male's genetic contribution beyond its natural life span is remarkably important. The ability to successfully collect and cryopreserve sperm from the epididymis at necropsy may prove to be a useful technique for preserving valuable genes. Thirty-two bucks ranging in age from 13 days to 7 years were examined in this study and 25 had epididymal sperm extracted at necropsy. Seven bucks yielded clear fluid with no spermatozoa; all were under four months of age. Testes were removed from the scrotal sac, small lateral incisions made across the convoluted tubules, pressure applied to the tail of the epididymis and small droplets of sperm pipetted into equilibrated extender. The average initial analysis of wave motion (0 to 5, 5 being rapid wave motion), live/dead sperm percentage and acrosomal integrity of 25 fresh epididymal samples were 5.0, 92%, and 100%, respectively. By comparison, the same parameters obtained from 206 fresh ejaculated samples were 3.0, 86%, and 95%, respectively. After being cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen, one straw from each sample was thawed after 3 to 60 days of cryostorage. Results of post-thaw analysis of 25 cryopreserved epididymal sperm samples for live/dead percentage and acrosomal integrity were 82% and 84%, respectively. By comparison, results of post-thaw analysis of 206 cryopreserved ejaculated sperm samples for live/dead percentage and acrosomal integrity were 60% and 89%, respectively. To assess the competence of the frozen epididymal sperm, IVF and AI were performed. In parallel IVF experiments, 40% of the oocytes showed cleavage patterns, with 6% developing to the blastocyst stage using frozen epididymal sperm, while 37% of the oocytes showed cleavage patterns and 4% developed into blastocysts using frozen ejaculated sperm. One artificial insemination out of 20 resulted in a pregnancy using frozen epididymal sperm, while 7 of 18 artificial inseminations resulted in a pregnancy using frozen ejaculated sperm. This data documents the successful collection and cryopreservation of epididymal sperm from the goat and its use for in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination.

Acrosome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of methoxychlor on the epididymal antioxidant system of adult rats.

Methoxychlor is widely used as a pesticide in many countries and has been shown to induce reproductive abnormalities in male rats, causing reduced fertility. The mechanism of action of methoxychlor on the male reproductive system is not clear. In the present study we investigated whether administration of methoxychlor induces oxidative stress in the epididymis and epididymal sperm of adult rats. Methoxychlor (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg body weight/day) was administered orally for 1, 4, or 7 days. The animals were killed using anesthetic ether 24 h after of the last treatment. Epididymal sperm were collected by cutting the epididymis into small pieces in Ham's F-12 medium at 35 degrees C. The body weight and weights of the testis, liver, and kidney did not show any significant changes in the methoxychlor-treated rats. The weight of the epididymis, seminal vesicles, and ventral prostate as well as epididymal sperm counts decreased after 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day for 7 days but remained unchanged after shorter courses of treatment. Epididymal sperm motility was decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the animals treated with methoxychlor for 4 or 7 days. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase were decreased while the levels of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation were increased in the epididymal sperm as well as in the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymis after 4 or 7 days of treatment. The activities of superoxide dismutase decreased while the levels of lipid peroxidation increased in the liver but not in the kidney in all groups. Co-administration of the antioxidant vitamin E (20 mg/kg body weight/ day) to the 200 mg/kg/d methoxychlor-treated rats for 7 days prevented significant changes in the antioxidant systems in the epididymis and epididymal sperm and prevented alterations in sperm counts and motility. The results indicated that methoxychlor induces oxidative stress in the epididymis and epididymal sperm by decreasing antioxidant enzymes, possibly by inducing reactive oxygen species. In conclusion the adverse effect of methoxychlor on the male reproduction could be due to induction of oxidative stress.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Rat epididymal sperm motion changes induced by ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, sulfasalazine, and 2,5-hexandione.

Epididymal sperm was examined using the Hamilton-Thorne Sperm analyzer (HTM-IVOS, version 10.6) in male rats treated with known male reproductive toxicants that act by different mechanisms to detect effects on sperm motion. Three agents known to produce changes in sperm motion at high exposure levels were administered at lower levels. Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (EGEE), sulfasalazine (SASP), and 2,5-hexandione (2,5-HD) were administered by oral gavage to adult male Sprague-Dawley rats at 250 or 500 mg/kg/day, at 300 or 600 mg/kg/day, or at 100 or 250 mg/kg/day, respectively. The males were treated with EGEE, SASP, and 2,5-HD for 35, 28, and 28 days, respectively. The males treated with EGEE and SASP were mated with untreated females to assess male fertility. All males were examined for body weight, testicular and epididymal weight, epididymal sperm count, and sperm motion. The sperm motion parameters included percentage of motile sperm, percentage of progressively motile sperm (progressive motility), curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP), straight line velocity (VSL), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), beat cross frequency (BCF), linearity (LIN), and straightness (STR). For the male rats treated with SASP, no treatment-related effects on percentages of motile sperm or sperm count were observed despite impaired male fertility. However, abnormal motion of epididymal sperm from the SASP treated males was detected by a significant reduction in mean progressive motility, VAP, and ALH, and an increase in BCF and STR. For the males treated with 2,5-HD for 4 weeks, most parameters generated by the HTM-IVOS indicated decreased sperm motion despite no remarkable changes in testicular weight, epididymal weight, or sperm count. In the EGEE-treated males at 250 mg/kg/day for 5 weeks, abnormal motion of epididymal sperm was detected by decreased progressive motility and increased BCF, although there were no treatment-related effects on testicular weight or male fertility. Progressive motility was decreased in all treated groups and the difference from the control value was of the greatest magnitude among the sperm motion parameters generated by the HTM-IVOS. Velocity parameters (VAP, VSL, VCL) responded sensitively to abnormal sperm motion in the SASP and 2,5-HD studies. In spite of decreased sperm motion, BCF values were significantly increased in all treated groups except the 7-week EGEE high-dose group, where there were no motile sperm to evaluate. ALH was significantly decreased in the treated groups in which remarkable effects on sperm motion were noted. There were no significant changes in ALH at the low-dose of EGEE at which only mild effects on sperm motion were observed. STR was increased for epididymal sperm from the males treated with SASP when compared with the controls. For the males treated with EGEE and 2,5-HD, however, STR was decreased when compared with the controls. There were no significant differences in LIN in any of the groups treated with SASP, in which remarkably reduced sperm motion was detected by the other parameters. In conclusion, among the parameters generated by the HTM-IVOS, progressive motility was significantly decreased in all treated groups and the most valuable for detecting slight changes in sperm motion induced by these three different target toxicants. Further investigation with a larger set of compounds is needed to evaluate which IVOS parameters are the most sensitive in detecting motion changes.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Inducible nitric oxide synthase in the epithelial epididymal cells of the rat.

The expression of mRNA for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in rat epithelial cells of epididymis was investigated with reverse transcription followed by polymerase chain reaction. Immunocytochemical reaction for iNOS was performed to confirm the enzyme's localization in the epididymal epithelium. Additionally, an indirect spectrophotometric method for nitric oxide (NO) determination was applied for measurement of nitrite production by cultured epididymal epithelial cells. Inducible NOS mRNA was detected in freshly isolated epithelial cells, in cultured cells without stimulation as well as in cultured cells after stimulation by lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma. Inducible NOS immunoreactivity was observed in the apical part of epithelial cells of epididymal sections and in the cytoplasm of cells in culture. Release of nitrite was observed in vitro in both the unstimulated and stimulated cells of caput (1.44+/-0.94 v. 4.37+/-2.42 microM) and cauda (0.69+/-1.21 v. 5.21+/-2.76 microM) epididymis (P < 0.001). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate iNOS in the epididymal epithelial cells of the rat. Nitric oxide released by epididymal epithelial cells may act on cells and tissues located nearby. The results may help explain epididymal function: sperm storage, passage and maturation. Excessive epididymal NO production may also play a role in the inflammatory infertility of the male.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Isolation, culture, and immunocytochemical characterization of epididymal epithelial cells from pubertal and adult rats.

A method for the isolation and culture of epididymal epithelial cells obtained from pubertal and old adult rats is described. This method permits the establishment of primary cultures of these cells in monolayers from aggregates isolated from whole epididymides and major epididymal anatomical segments (caput, corpus, and cauda) after trypsin and collagenase digestions. A large number of cultured epididymal cells retain a differentiated function as demonstrated by the immunocytochemical and radioimmunoassay finding of acidic epididymal glycoprotein, a spermatozoa-coating protein secreted by the principal cells of rat epididymis. The proliferative potential of cultured epididymal cells obtained from pubertal and old adult donors can be documented by [3H]thymidine labeling and mitotic indices without significant loss of gene expression for acidic epididymal glycoprotein. Results of this study demonstrate that epididymal epithelial cells, consisting of a predominant population of principal cells, can be isolated, cultured, and maintained for up to 3 months.

Aging↗
PubMed2001

A comparison of ICSI outcomes with fresh and cryopreserved epididymal spermatozoa from the same couples.

The published experience with frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) suggests that fertilization and pregnancy success rates are comparable to those achieved with freshly retrieved spermatozoa. However, no study has exactly compared clinical outcomes between the two IVF/ICSI cycles in the same couples. To formally address this issue, we assessed ICSI outcomes in couples each of whom had had two IVF/ICSI cycles: one using fresh and the second using frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa obtained from a single aspiration procedure. From a pool of 101 consecutive patients undergoing IVF/ICSI with epididymal spermatozoa, 19 couples initially used fresh epididymal spermatozoa and subsequently underwent a second IVF/ICSI procedure with frozen-thawed spermatozoa from the same aspiration. Normal (2PN) oocyte fertilization rates, embryo quality and pregnancy rates were compared between the two IVF/ICSI cycles for each couple. In the fresh epididymal sperm group, 58.4% of the injected oocytes fertilized normally compared with 62.0% of the injected oocytes in the frozen-thawed epididymal sperm group, revealing no statistically significant difference. Graded embryo quality also did not differ significantly between the paired IVF/ICSI cycles. The clinical pregnancy rates were 31.6% (6/19) and 36.8% (7/19) in the first and second cycles respectively. All but one pregnancy were singletons. In summary, this study provides strong evidence to support the notion that motile, cryopreserved and thawed epididymal spermatozoa are equal to freshly retrieved spermatozoa for ICSI in couples with obstructive azoospermia.

Cryopreservation↗