The epididymis and its role on sperm quality and male fertility

Abstract

The epididymis is a complex organ where spermatozoa acquire motility and ability to fertilize the egg. Epididymal maturation lasts 1 or 2 weeks and exposes the immature spermatozoa to a sequentially modified milieu, promoting intense interactions with secretions by the epididymal epithelium. Sperm surface modifications in response to interactions with epididymal secretions are key steps to achieve fertility ability. However, the precise molecular mechanisms that convert an immotile and infertile gamete into a highly motile cell capable of fusion with an oocyte are still unknown. Recent data on proteomics and transcriptomics of epididymal fluid and epididymosomes brought new ideas of the physiological roles of proteins and miRNAs in epididymal maturation in spermatozoa. This review focuses on the recent discoveries on epididymal fluid composition and its role on sperm maturation and preservation, linking to their survival and fertility potential.

In vivo effects of Rauvolfia vomitoria ( Apocynaceae ) ethanolic extract on sexual performance and reproductive activity in male rats

“…The epididymis's proteome contains numerous proteins with potential roles in sperm physiological functions. Several proteins such as lactoferrin, lipocalin 5, glutathione peroxidase 5, prostaglandin D2 synthase, transferrin, phosphoethanolamine binding protein 4, beta‐N‐acetyl hexosaminidase, glutathione S transferase, actin and beta‐galactosidase have been identified from epididymal fluid (Souza, Schorr‐Lenz, Lucca, & Bustamante, ). It is likely that, some of these proteins would have played a substantial role in sperm maturation in our study.…”

Structural modeling and mRNA expression of epididymal β‐defensins in GnRH immunized boars: A model for secondary hypogonadism in man

“…Spermatozoa maturation in the epididymis is essential for the production of viable and functional male gametes (Robaire & Hinton, ) and is highly influenced by androgens (Robaire & Hamzeh, ) and estrogens (Joseph, Shur, & Hess, ). During epididymal transit, spermatozoa are exposed to a myriad of secreted proteins that permits the acquisition of sperm motility and fertilizing potential (Souza, Schorr‐Lenz, Lucca & Bustamante‐Filho, ). Some proteins are associated with spermatozoa preservation and protection in the epididymis, like β‐defensin protein family members.…”

Profertility effects of Shilajit on cadmium-induced infertility in male mice

“…Testicular spermatozoa entering the epididymis are immature and immotile, and the epididymis plays a significant role in maturation of spermatozoa (de Souza, Schorr‐Lenz, Lucca, & Bustamante‐Filho, ). Cadmium has been reported to induce morphological abnormalities and decrease sperm concentration in the cauda epididymidis of rat (Acharya et al., ).…”