Structure of the Lining Epithelium of the Cauda Epididymis of the Golden Hamster

Abstract

The ductus epididymis has roles in the maturation and storage of spermatozoa. The main function of the cauda epididymis is the storage of spermatozoa; however, this region exerts other morphophysiological roles. So, this study was aimed at investigating structural features of the cauda epididymis epithelium, which could indicate roles other than the storage. The relative percentages of the cell types in the epithelium were 74.9, 6.9, 12.5 and 5.6% of principal, clear, basal and halo cells respectively. Large intercellular spaces were seen among the lateral plasmatic membranes of adjacent principal cells or among these cells and others cell types. These spaces were found to be filled with multivesicular bodies, myelin figures, scrolls and debris of membranes or flocculent dense material. Clear cells had the cytoplasms filled with lysosomes ((3/4) of basal cytoplasm), and vacuoles and vesicles ((1/4) of apical cytoplasm). The observations allowed us to infer that clear cells could act in the process of endocytosis and also in water transfer from the lumen to the interstitium through the epithelium compartment. Moreover, transcytosis may occur at the cauda epididymis of Golden hamster.

Ultrastructure of the epithelium lining of cauda epididymidis in mongrel dogs

“…Therefore, this contention that the clear cell is specialized for absorption is supported by its fine structure (Moore & Bedford 1979). The ultrastructural characteristics of clear cells in the dog epididymis, such as the large number of vesicles, vacuoles and lysosomes, indicate that these cells actively participate in absorptive and endocytic process, in agreement with observations in rats (Moore & Bedford 1979, and golden hamster (Beu et al 2009). …”

“…In addition to the above cells, there is another type, the clear cell, which has been reported in the tail regions of the rat (Hamilton 1975, Brown & Montesano 1981, Sun & Flickinger 1982, Serre & Robaire 1998, mouse (Soranzo et al 1982, Orsi et al 1994, hamster (Flickinger et al 1978, Beu et al 2009, and gerbils (Domeniconi et al 2007). However, clear cells were not described in stallion, ram, and bull (Nicander 1957, Goyal 1985, monkey (Ramos & Dym 1977), pigs (Orsi et al 1985); cat (Arrighi et al 1986), goat (Goyal & Williams 1991), and donkey and dromedary camel (Alkafafy et al 2012).…”

“…The fine structure of the epididymis of the mammals has been previously described (Hamilton 1975, Goyal & Williams 1991, Orsi et al 1994, Schimming & Vicentini 2001, Lorenzana et al 2007, Beu et al 2009). The lining epithelium of cauda epididymidis in the mongrel dogs contains four cell types: principal, clear, basal and apical cells.…”

“…Alkafafy et al (2012) reported that the distal regions of camel epididymis may possess some secretory potential. According to Beu et al (2009), the cauda epididymidis is the site where spermatozoa acquire their fertilization potential. Marengo (2008) reported that cauda epididymidis is site of final maturation and storage of quiescent sperm.…”

Effect of unilateral obstruction of vas deferens on ipsilateral epididymis of adult albino rats

“…The spermatozoa in the epididymal lumen are subjected to complex and varied regional microenvironments to undergo maturation and develop the potential ability to fertilize oocytes [18,19]. The spermatozoa in the epididymal lumen are subjected to complex and varied regional microenvironments to undergo maturation and develop the potential ability to fertilize oocytes [18,19].…”