background: recent studies have shown that benzene extract of ocimum sanctum (o. sanctum) leaves induces the ultrastructural changes in the epithelial cells of the cauda epididymis, its subsequent recovery in the seminiferous epithelium and fertility of male albino rats. objective: our aim was to investigate the effect of benzene extract of o.sanctum leaves on the cauda epididymal sperm paramet...

In addition to the maturation of sperm, the epididymis also serves to protect sperm from harmful reactive oxygen species. To this end, various antioxidant enzymes are produced by the epididymis, such as glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), a family of dimeric proteins that catalyze the conjugation of glutathione to various electrophilic compounds, thus providing cellular detoxification. In the pr...

Apolipoprotein E (apo E) is an important constituent of plasma lipoproteins and is believed to be involved in the regulation of lipid transport and distribution between tissues. The production of this apolipoprotein in extra-hepatic tissues such as the testis and epididymis could facilitate specific local functions. Apo E mRNA was detected in testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate. ...

Tight and adhering junctions are important in maintaining the integrity of the epididymal epithelium and formation of the blood epididymal barrier, which are crucial for sperm maturation and storage. The composition of the catenin-adhering junctional family of proteins and their relationship with tight junctions remain to be established in the epididymis. In the normal adult rat epididymis, imm...

Testicular damage is one of the most hazardous effects chemotherapy as it frequently associated with oligozoospermia and azoospermia. This study aimed at evaluating protective effect melatonin in a rat model busulfan-induced testicular injury. Rats were divided into four groups: control, melatonin, busulfan, busulfan plus melatonin. After 15 days, semen was collected from epididymis testes asse...

There is considerable variation, both within and between species, in reports of nuclear steroid receptor localizations in the male reproductive tract. In this study, androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptors ERalpha and ERbeta were visualized by immunohistochemistry in adult male mice reproductive tracts, including testes, efferent ductules; initial segment, caput, corpus, and cauda epididy...

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a widespread environmental contaminant that causes reproductive dysfunction in men. Metallothioneins (MTs) are low-molecular-weight proteins that can bind heavy metals and protect the cell from metal toxicity. MT levels are increased by exposure to metals and physiological stressors. Although MTs have been identified in the testis and epididymis, little is known about th...

Changes of chromosomal basic proteins of rats have been followed during transformation of spermatids into spermatozoa in the testis and during maturation of spermatozoa in the epididymis. Rat testis chromatin has been fractionated on the basis of differing sensitivity to shearing, yielding a soluble fraction and a condensed fraction. The sperm histone is found in the condense fraction. Somatic-...