Phagocytosis of spermatozoa by the rabbit vagina

Abstract

Twenty-four hours after mating in the rabbit, numerous spermatozoa are observed attached to the surgace of the vaginal epithelium. Spermatozoa appear to be attached by their heads to microvilli of the simple columnar cells which compose the vaginal epithelium. Spermatozoa are taken up by the epithelial cells, and they are found within the cells in various stages of degeneration up to seven days after mating. Epithelial cells frequently appear to be filled with numerous vacuoles containing sperm components in various stages of degeneration. It is suggested that some property of the surface of sperm heads may render them particularly susceptible to phagocytosis. Phagocytosis of spermatozoa may not have long-term harmful effects for the epithelium since these epithelial cells presumably have a high rate of turnover.

The Epithelium of the Rabbit Vagina: A Microtopographical Study by Light, Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy.

“…Sperm heads often overlay the tips of microvilli and/or cilia, appearing to be supported by these structures, or else they are hidden among the cilia in such a manner that their tails project into the vaginal lumen. The occurrence of spermatozoa in the rabbit vaginal crevices has also been reported by PHILLIPS andMAHLER (1978) andPAKZAD andPAUFLER (1982). Actually, at various times after copulation, the number of spermatozoa on the epithelial surface appeared to proggressively diminish; on the contrary, they tended to assemble on the slopes, at the bottom of the grooves, and in the crypts from which their tails frequently stood out.…”

Phagocytosis of spermatozoa and latex beads by the epithelial cell of the cat oviduct: Combined SEM and TEM study.

“…3). This result differed from the findings by PHILLIPS and MAHLER (1977) who reported using TEM that the spermatozoan tails were often severed from the heads and not ingested by epithelial cells in the rabbit vagina.…”

Seminal Fluid and Immune Adaptation for Pregnancy – Comparative Biology in Mammalian Species

“…). Subsequent studies showed that both seminal plasma and sperm may contribute to the initiation of the leucocytic response in rabbits (Phillips and Mahler ,b). In the presence of seminal plasma, rabbit sperm show similar viability and potentially increased motility, but fertility was not improved (Castellini et al.…”