The human epididymis‐is it necessary?

Cooper, Trevor G.

doi:10.1111/j.1365-2605.1993.tb01187.x

Cited by 27 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…It is differentiated anatomically, histologically and functionally into a number of segments along its length (Robaire & Hermo 1988). The success of in vivo or in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection in assisted reproductive technologies, using spermatozoa collected from different segments of the epididymis, depends on the extent of epididymal maturation of sperm (Cooper 1993). There are also reports suggesting the epididymis as a target for certain toxicants (Gray & Kelce 1996, Mann 1997, Hess 1998, Klinefelter 2002.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microcanalization in the epididymis to overcome ductal obstruction caused by chronic exposure to chromium – a study in the mature bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata Geoffroy)

Aruldhas¹,

Subramanian²,

Sekhar³

et al. 2004

Reproduction

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In order to apprehend the toxic effects of chromium, an occupational/environmental pollutant, on the epididymis, adult bonnet monkeys were exposed to chromium (VI) in their drinking water at concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 p.p.m. for a chronic period of 180 days. At the end of the experimental period, testicles and segments of epididymis from control and treated monkeys were subjected to light microscopic (resin-embedded semi-thin sections) and transmission electron microscopic analyses. Among the various changes undergone by the epididymal epithelium, the present paper describes the origin of two different kinds of microcanals, probably caused by ductal obstruction. The first type of microcanal, which appears to provide passage for spermatozoa to bypass the obstructed main duct, is comparable with the one already reported in carbendazimtreated efferent ductules of the rat. The second type of microcanal, which is novel, consisted of a lumen in the epithelium enclosed by four to five cells, which are either modified basal cells, principal cells or a hitherto unknown cell type. This novel type of microcanal is suggested to be a device to entrap the spermatozoa which reach the core of the epithelium and may be a mechanism to prevent extravasation of sperm so as to avoid an autoimmune response of spermatic granuloma formation. Thus, the present study has shown that chronic exposure to chromium (VI) through drinking water can produce pathological manifestations in the epididymal epithelium but the epididymis, being a versatile organ, is capable of overcoming such adverse situations through novel devices.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microcanalization in the epididymis to overcome ductal obstruction caused by chronic exposure to chromium – a study in the mature bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata Geoffroy)

Aruldhas¹,

Subramanian²,

Sekhar³

et al. 2004

Reproduction

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“…Recent assisted reproductive technologies have questioned the importance of the human epididymis in sperm maturation (65). Even though the pattern of maturation of spermatozoa in the human epididymis has never been established directly by testing ability to fertilize zona intact eggs, indirect evidence suggests that this ability is acquired in the corpus segment (66).…”

Section: P34h Sequencementioning

confidence: 99%

P34H Sperm Protein Is Preferentially Expressed by the Human Corpus Epididymidis*

et al. 1999

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During epididymal transit, mammalian spermatozoa acquire new surface proteins that are necessary for gamete interaction. We have previously described a 34-kDa human epididymal sperm protein, P34H, that has been shown to be involved in sperm-zona pellucida interaction. In the present study, we report the cloning and characterization of the full-length complementary DNA encoding human P34H. The predicted amino acid sequence revealed 65% identity with P26h, the hamster counterpart of the P34H. The deduced P34H amino acid sequence revealed a 71% similarity with a pig lung tetrameric carbonyl reductase, a member of the short chain dehydrogenase/ reductase family proteins. Northern blot analysis revealed that P34H messenger RNA (mRNA) was highly expressed in the human epididymis, principally in the corpus region. A single 912-bp P34H transcript was detected. In situ hybridization experiments showed that the P34H mRNA was predominantly expressed in the proximal and distal sections of the corpus epididymidis. The staining was restricted to the principal cells of the epididymal epithelium. The localization of P34H mRNA was in agreement with the appearance of P34H protein along the male reproductive tract. Western blot analysis revealed that recombinant P34H expressed by a yeast expression system, is antigenically related to the native P34H sperm protein. Based on its pattern of expression and its function in one of the key steps leading to fertilization, P34H can be considered as a marker of epididymal sperm maturation in humans. (Endocrinology 140: 3318 -3327, 1999)

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“…It is well established that as sperm descend through the epididymis they acquire the potential for forward motility (reviewed (Amann, et al, 1993, Cooper, 1993, Moore and Akhondi, 1996, Soler, et al, 1994. This progressive motion not only allows the sperm to negotiate the female reproductive tract, but has also been suggested to play a role in penetration of the oocytes outer protective barriers, including the cumulus oophorous and the zone pellucida.…”

Section: Epididymal Maturationmentioning

confidence: 99%

More Than a Simple Lock and Key Mechanism: Unraveling the Intricacies of Sperm-Zona Pellucida Binding

Redgrove¹,

Aitken²,

Nixon³

2012

Binding Protein

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The human epididymis‐is it necessary?

Cited by 27 publications

References 38 publications

Microcanalization in the epididymis to overcome ductal obstruction caused by chronic exposure to chromium – a study in the mature bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata Geoffroy)

Microcanalization in the epididymis to overcome ductal obstruction caused by chronic exposure to chromium – a study in the mature bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata Geoffroy)

P34H Sperm Protein Is Preferentially Expressed by the Human Corpus Epididymidis*

More Than a Simple Lock and Key Mechanism: Unraveling the Intricacies of Sperm-Zona Pellucida Binding

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