Although the cytoplasm of spermatids is removed at the end of spermiogenesis, a tiny portion is usually retained in the sperm flagellum, which is termed the cytoplasmic droplet (CD) in mammals. CDs are believed to play a role in sperm volume adaptation. However, we have noticed that epididymal spermatozoa that display initial (flagellation in situ) and progressive motility mostly possess CDs, w...

Some morphometric parameters of the buffalo gonad and epididymis were compared in the mating (late autumn-winter) versus non-mating (late spring to the beginning of autumn) seasons. Organs from mature bulls of proven fertility were collected at slaughtering in February and September and used for this study. Testicular and epididymal diameters and weights were measured. The diameters of the test...

Alcoholics are often associated with fertility disturbances with low sperm count and impaired sperm motility. Spermatozoa attains forward motility and fertilizing capacity during their transit through the epididymis. Epididymal secretory products form a suitable microenvironment, which favors sperm maturation. To study the effects of ethanol on epididymal sperm maturation, ethanol (3 g/kg body ...

It has been reported that following administration, alkylphenols, such as octylphenol, reach the testis and epididymis but fail to accumulate in these tissues, suggesting the rapid expulsion of these chemicals by transporters. Specialized transporters that function to restrict compounds that enter target cells have been identified. ABCB1 is a member of the ATP-binding cassette family of protein...

This study aimed to characterize and compare the effects of obesity on gene expression profiles in two distinct adipose depots, epididymal and bone marrow, at two different ages in mice. Alterations in gene expression were analyzed in adipocytes isolated from diet-induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6J male mice at 6 and 14 months of age and from leptin deficient mice (ob/ob) at 6 months of age using mic...

Abstract Objective This study was aimed at determining the nephroprotective potential of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn methanol extract (SME) against hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy (DNP) adult Wistar albino rats. Materials Methods Following STZ-induced diabetes, rats either sex with serum glucose level more than 250 mg/dL were chosen randomized i...

The effects of protein synthesis inhibition and disassembly of microtubules in the epididymal epithelia on proluminal movement of 3H-androgens were investigated by using in vivo microperifusion of 3H-testosterone and subsequent micropuncture to obtain peritubular and intraluminal fluids of caput epididymal tubules. Cycloheximide (100 micrograms/ml) was used as protein synthesis inhibitor. Nocod...

BACKGROUND The Sperm Adhesion Molecule 1 (SPAM1) is an important sperm surface hyaluronidase with at least three functions in mammalian fertilization. Previously our laboratory reported that in the mouse, in addition to its expression in the testis, Spam1 is synthesized in the epididymis where it is found in membranous vesicles in the principal cells of the epithelium in all three regions. Sinc...