Morphologic variations along the length of the monkey vas deferens

Morphological description of male genital organs of Marca's marmoset (Mico marcai)

Morphological characterisation of the genital organs of primates may bring significant contributions to the understanding of different reproductive behaviours and support new conservation strategies. However, relevant or detailed descriptions of genital morphology of several primate species are still lacking. This study describes the gross and microscopic anatomy of the internal and external genitalia of Marca's marmoset (Mico marcai). The same organs described in other primate species were identified here, but some anatomical particularities were detected, such as absence of a dartos tunic, presence of a vas deferens ampulla, absence of spongious erectile tissue in the pelvic urethra, separation of prostate gland lobes by a longitudinal sulcus and lack of septation in the corpus cavernosus and spongiosus at the level of the shaft and free portion of the penis. Keratinised type 1 spicules arising from epidermal or dermal projections were found in the free portion of the penis. Microscopic analysis revealed a small bone (baculum) consisting of peripheral compact bone and a central, non-ossified area filled with vascular tissue at the distal end of this portion of the penis. Results of this study may support further comparative studies of primates' reproductive ecology.

Constitutive expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in rat vas deferens

Prostaglandins, lipoid substances discovered in human semen as modulators of uterine muscle contractility, are known to play significant roles in virtually all mammalian organ systems, but their male reproductive functions are unclear. Cyclooxygenase, the rate-limiting enzyme in prostaglandin synthesis, occurs in two isoforms distinguished on the basis of constitutive (COX-1) or inducible (COX-2) expression patterns in mammalian tissues. However, in the adult rat male reproductive system, immunohistochemistry and Western and Northern analysis showed that COX-2 is the predominant isoform and is heavily localized to the epithelium of the distal vas deferens, where constitutive expression is manyfold greater than in any other organs of the body. COX-2 is not detected in the proximal one-half of the vas nor in the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, or prostate. Elimination of luminal sperm by vasectomy does not affect COX-2 levels, whereas castration severely depletes COX-2 and androgen replacement after castration restores COX-2, indicating that COX-2 expression in the vas is androgen dependent. Because the distal vas also comprises an extensive submucosal venous plexus connected to the penile corpora cavernosa, prostaglandins from the vas may play a role in erection.

Phagocytosis of latex beads by the epithelial cells in the terminal region of the vas deferens of the cat: SEM and TEM study

The present scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations of the terminal vas deferens of the cat have revealed that the epithelial cells, like luminal macrophages, are not only involved in the removal of spermatozoa as previously reported but also capable of taking up actively the latex beads injected to the lumen. In addition, orchidectomy has been shown to do not have any remarkable effects on the ability of the epithelial cells for phagocytosis of beads.

Scanning and transmission electron microscopic evidence of epithelial phagocytosis of spermatozoa in the terminal region of the vas deferens of the cat

Scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations have been made in the terminal region of the vas deferens of the cat, with emphasis on the occurrence of spermiophagy. The present study has revealed that epithelial cells as well as luminal macrophages are extensively and actively involved in phagocytosis of spermatozoa. The mechanism of the spermiophagy is discussed, in relation to a possible role of the epithelial cells, as one function of the vas deferens.

The ampulla ductus deferentis in man, as viewed by SEM and TEM

The epithelium of the human ampulla consists of rare basal cells and a single type of principal (secretory) cells. The principal cells, which vary in height from cuboidal to columnar, often have conical or club shaped apical portions projecting and bulging into the lumen. Their cytoplasm contains an abundant rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, numerous mitochondria, and many lipopigment granules. The Golgi apparatus is well developed and originates the secretory vacuoles which are discharged by exocytosis. Though the majority of nuclei are ovoid, deeply fissured or even lobated nuclei are not uncommon. The basal cells are small, nonsecretory cells, whose cytoplasm shows numerous filaments having a diameter of 55 A. The lumen contains masses of amorphous secretions and some spermatozoa. The human ampulla is a gland endowed with the same morphological features as those of the seminal vesicles.

Microvasculature of the mouse testis and excurrent duct system

The microvascular architecture of the mouse testis and excurrent duct system was examined by a casting method with the aid of scanning electron microscopy and by sectioning techniques for light and transmission electron microscopy. Two fundamental types of peritubular capillary arrangements were noted in relation to the tubules. The first type most typically appeared in the testis. In this type, peritubular capillaries interconnected intertubular blood vessels to form a rope-ladder-like structure. The length of the individual peritubular capillaries was short, and a number of the capillaries encircled each tubule. Adjacent tubules shared a single layer of capillaries. The vascular organization of the ductuli efferentes and of the middle segment of the epididymis was also of this type, but the number of peritubular capillaries was much fewer compared with that of the testis. In the second type, the peritubular capillaries formed a network encircling each tubule in its subepithelial layer. The capillary organization in the initial and terminal segments of the epididymis and the ductus deferens belonged to the second type. In the distal part of the ductus deferens, a prominent venous plexus was formed in the most peripheral subepithelial layer.

Morphological changes in the mammalian vas deferens during aging. I. The occurrence of binuclear cells in the mouse

The number of nuclei per principal cell was determined in the vas deferens of sexually immature, young sexually mature and old male mice. The incidence of binucleation increased with age. In 21-day-old mice approximately 99% of the principal cells were mononucleated and 9%-20% of the principal cells were binucleated. In the oldest animals, the ampulla and testis end of the vas usually had more binuclear cells than the middle segment. The biological significance and the mechanism of this phenomenon are not known; however, binucleation may prove to be a useful indicator of aging in the vas of this species. In addition, the mouse vas may provide a useful model for studies of binucleation and mitosis.