Total number of immunocompetent cells in the normal rat epididymis and after vasectomy

Abstract

The aim of this study was to make unbiased quantitative estimates of the number of T8 cytotoxic cells and T4 helper cells and macrophages in the head and tail of rat epididymides, using newly developed design-based stereological methods in fertile control animals, and to compare these with results from vasectomized animals. The location of these cells within the intra- and interepithelial compartments of the epididymis was also studied. In control animals, both the T4 helper cells and macrophages and T8 cytotoxic cells were found in significantly higher numbers (P < 0.01) in the head interepithelial location than in the intraepithelial site. In addition, there were significantly more (P < 0.01) T8 cytotoxic cells in the tail interepithelial region. Within the head region of vasectomized rats, there was a significant increase in T8 cytotoxic cells in the intraepithelial location (P < 0.01), and a decrease in T4 helper cells and macrophages in the interepithelial region (P < 0.05). Serum samples from vasectomized animals, when compared with those from control animals, showed a significant increase in cytotoxic antisperm antibody. This suggests that, in response to the increased spermatozoal antigenic absorption that takes place in the epididymis after vasectomy, the immune system redistributes its T cell subsets to modify the immune tolerance that may occur.

Distribution of leukocytes in the epithelium and interstitium of four regions of the Lewis rat epididymis

“…On the other hand, macrophages were the predominant cell type detected immunocytochemically in the normal mouse epididymis (Nashan et al, 1989). CD4-positive helper/inducer lymphocytes and macrophages were reported to be more numerous than CD8-positive suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocytes in the epididymis of the Wistar rat (Hooper et al, 1995). Thus, previous studies have provided divergent results with regard to the nature of the leukocytes present in the epididymal tissues.…”

“…A related aim was to determine the extent to which cells of the B lymphocyte lineage, which could be involved in local secretory immune responses, are associated with the epididymal duct. In addition, it was of interest to compare observations on epididymal leukocytes in the Lewis rat to previously published studies on the Wistar strain (Hooper et al, 1995), since Lewis rats have been reported to be more responsive to sperm antigens than are other strains of rats (Bigazzi et al, 1977;Herr et al, 1987). Finally, observations in normal adult animals form the basis for ongoing experimental studies on the effects of development and obstruction in this model.…”

The Effects of Vasectomy on Epididymal Morphology and Sperm Parameters in Adult Male Balb/c mice

“…Amann et al, reported that the epididymis has an important role in sperm maturation by providing a specific fluid environment secreted from its epithelium that serves as a site for the sperm to obtain motility and fertilizing potential (Amann et al). Hooper et al (1995) suggested that after vasectomy, there is an enhancement in the number of columnar epithelial cells and lymphocytes infiltration in certain regions of the head of the epididymis. These changes causes the rupture of the epithelium and the development of sperm granuloma (Hooper et al, 1995).…”

“…Hooper et al (1995) suggested that after vasectomy, there is an enhancement in the number of columnar epithelial cells and lymphocytes infiltration in certain regions of the head of the epididymis. These changes causes the rupture of the epithelium and the development of sperm granuloma (Hooper et al, 1995).…”

Co‐expression and interaction of cubilin and megalin in the adult male rat reproductive system

“…Furthermore, epithelial cells of the epididymis have an additional function in protecting the spermatozoa from oxidative damage and foreign attack. An array of glutathione S-transferase (GST) subunits act throughout the epididymis to protect against electrophilic attack while the halo cells are thought to provide and immunological barrier in the epithelium (Veri et al, 1993;Andonian and Hermo, 1999a;Adamali and Hermo, 1996;Flickinger et al, 1997;Hooper et al, 1995).…”