Extracellular microvesicles present in the epididymal fluid have been named epididymosomes. Many epididymosome-associated proteins are transferred to spermatozoa during their maturation in the excurrent duct. Epididymosomes are heterogeneous, with their size varying between 50 and 250 nm. Two distinct population of epididymosomes characterized by different protein compositions and diameters hav...

The purpose of this study was to evaluate 2 methods of semen collection that could be used as terminal procedures in stallions with irreparable conditions, such as fractures or colic. Electroejaculation was attempted under general anesthesia. Forty-eight hours later, the ponies were castrated and 2 different epididymal sperm collection techniques were attempted by using a flushing or floating m...

We have investigated the toxic effects of trichloroethylene (TCE) on the epididymis and epididymal sperm in mice. Mice were exposed to TCE (1000 ppm) by inhalation for 6 h/day for 5 days/week for 1 to 4 weeks. Segments of the epididymis (caput, corpus and cauda) were examined by light and electron microscopy. At the light microscopic level, degeneration and sloughing of epithelial cells were ev...

Objective: To investigate the of epididymal width in identifying non obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and obstructive azoospermia (OA). Methods: Using scrotal ultrasound to compare difference of epididymal width between OA (n=18) and NOA (n=10) patients. Results: In the patients with OA average bilateral epididymal width is 0.7+0.1 cm, which is higher than the NOA patients (P<0.05) by ultrasonic m...

Epididymal glutathione peroxidase (GPX) has been suggested as a major factor in combating loss of fertility of spermatozoa due to lipid peroxidation. We report here the isolation and sequence of putative GPX cDNAs from rat (Rattus rattus) and cynomolgus-monkey (Macaca fascicularis) epididymis, which exhibit marked sequence identity with known GPXs. In both species the cDNAs encode predicted pre...

A single epithelial tubule undergoes morphogenesis to form a functional shape during the development of internal organs; however, the mechanical processes that are directed by the molecular signals regulating tubular morphogenesis are poorly understood. Here, axial tubular buckling triggered by cell proliferation is shown to drive the morphogenesis of murine epididymal tubules through mechanica...

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling emerges as a potential pathway contributing to fat formation during postnatal development. In this report, we found that Patched 1 (Ptc1), a negative regulator of Hh signaling, was expressed in the epididymal fat pad of adult mice. Reduced total white fat mass and epididymal adipocyte cell size were observed in naturally occurring spontaneous mesenchymal dysplasia (mes) ...

The epididymis is the location of sperm maturation and sperm storage. Recent studies have shown that nano-scale exosomes play a vital role during these complicated processes. Our aim was to analyze the secretory properties of epididymal exosomes and their ultrastructural interaction with maturing spermatozoa in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle. The exosome marker CD63 was primarily localized to ...

Objective: To investigate the of epididymal width in identifying non obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and obstructive azoospermia (OA). Methods: Using scrotal ultrasound to compare difference of epididymal width between OA (n=18) and NOA (n=10) patients. Results: In the patients with OA average bilateral epididymal width is 0.7+0.1 cm, which is higher than the NOA patients (P<0.05) by ultrasonic m...

We discuss a case of 25 year old male who was evaluated for primary infertility following marriage. He had no previous history of urogenital complaints or abnormalities. In fact, his past medical history was unremarkable. On examination epididymal masses were found. Semen analysis showed azoospermia. Right epididymal mass was surgically excised. Histopathology showed an epididymal neoplasm comp...