The vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid plays an essential signaling role in spermatogenesis by acting as a ligand for nuclear retinoic acid receptors. However, little is known about the regulation of retinoic acid synthesis from vitamin A (retinol). Here we have examined mouse testis and epididymis for the presence of endogenous retinoic acid and for the expression of genes encoding class I and...

We examined the rat and mouse epididymis using helium ion microscopy (HIM), a novel imaging technology that uses a scanning beam of He(+) ions to produce nanometer resolution images of uncoated biological samples. Various tissue fixation, sectioning and dehydration methods were evaluated for their ability to preserve tissue architecture. The cauda epididymidis was luminally perfused in vivo to ...

The selenoenzyme phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) is regarded as the major molecular target of selenodeficiency in rodents, accounting for most of the histopathological and structural abnormalities of testicular tissue and male germ cells. PHGPx exists as a cytosolic form, mitochondrial form, and nuclear form (nPHGPx) predominantly expressed in late spermatids and sperm...

The localization of phosphatases in the epididymis of Madras Red ram during postnatal development was studied. The alkaline phosphatase activity was weak in the preweaning and pre-pubertal periods but with the onset of puberty it was better observed, especially in the epididymal epithelium. In the ductus epididymidis, the activity in the epididymal tubules was greater than that in the inter-tub...

The features of paca epididymis, based on its appearance in light microscope, is described in this paper. The cellular population of the epithelial lining comprises principal cells, basal cells, apical cells, narrows cells, and hallo cells. The epididymis is divided in five distinct and continuous regions, Zone I, or initial segment, and zone II, are both localized into the head. Zone III compr...

The cellular origin of a soluble phospholipid-binding protein (PBP) in rat testicular and epididymal secretions has been investigated genetically and immunologically. PBP is ubiquitous in tissue cytosols but is not present in blood serum, lymph or milk. The relatively large amounts present in cauda epididymal plasma (CEP) and rete testis fluid suggested therefore that it may be secreted specifi...

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds with oestrogenic activity. They are common in both human and animal diets, particularly through soy-based foods. This study assessed whether exposure of adult male rats to a high phytoestrogen diet for 3-25 days affected their fertility, and assessed possible mechanisms through which phytoestrogens may disrupt fertility. Adult males, fed a high phytoes...

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), formerly known as Tumor necrosis factor alpha is now regarded as a natural component of the mammalian seminal plasma (SP). Although not completely clarified, its functions in the SP have been associated with paradoxal roles, such as sperm survival in the female genital tract, while at high levels negatively affect sperm survival and fertility potential. Recently, it...

background: precious fruits like jambul are neglected and wasted while environmental pollutants like lead intake remain overlooked. objective: the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the jambul pulp extract on lead detrimental effects in pseudostratified epithelium and the stereocilia of mice epididymis and vas deferens. materials and methods: thirty young males mice (mus muscul...