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Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the seasonal histological structure changes and immunoreactivity of Aquaporin 5 (AQP-5) in the ductus deferens and prostate under the light microscope. Materials and Methods: For the present study, twelve mature male camels were employed. Following the animals breeding and non-breeding seasons of slaughter under official licensing and veterinary supervision, samples were obtained from various regions of the ductus deferens and prostate gland and processed using general histology and immunohistochemical methods. Results: The secretory end pieces of the vas deferens ampulla and prostate gland of the Saudi Arabian dromedary camel were well developed during reproductive and non-reproductive seasons. The spermatozoa were noticed in the lumen of the ductus deferens during the reproductive and non-reproductive seasons. The response of AQP-5 in the ductus deferens was particularly significant throughout the not-rutting season. Moreover, during the non-breeding season, the prostate gland showed a strong to moderate response. In the breeding season, the ampulla of the ductus deferens showed an insignificant reaction. Additionally, the body and disseminated portion of the prostate gland showed a mild to moderate response. Conclusion: The results suggested that Saudi Arabian dromedary camels might produce sperm during rutting and non-rutting seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The testicles and epididymal ducts of several mammals, such as camels, have been shown to have ADAM2 (fertilin) protein. But nothing is known about the existence of this protein in the camel's ductus deferens and male accessory glands. The current study employed immunohistochemical (IHC) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) techniques to elucidate the distribution and expression of ADAM2 in the ductus deferens and male accessory glands in dromedary camels throughout the rutting season. Samples of tissue were collected from the ductus deferens. (initial, middle and ampullary parts), prostate (corpus and disseminated part) and bulbourethral gland from eight mature male camels. IHC result revealed that ADAM2 protein localized in all parts of the ductus deferens with a strong immunoreaction in the ampullary parts. A variety of immunoreactions were recognized in the different parts of the male accessory glands. qRT-PCR results showed that ADAM2 mRNA was expressed variably in all parts of the ductus deferens and male accessory glands; the ampullary part of the vas deferens displayed the highest levels of expression (P<0.05). The current study concluded that ADAM2 is found in the ductus deferens and male accessory glands with greater expression in the ampulla and prostate glands where seminal fluids are secreted. Thus, it is believed that these organs aid in the sperm's creation of this protein before ejaculation in the female camel's genital organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the seasonal histological structure changes and immunoreactivity of Aquaporin 5 (AQP-5) in the ductus deferens and prostate under the light microscope. Materials and Methods: For the present study, twelve mature male camels were employed. Following the animals breeding and non-breeding seasons of slaughter under official licensing and veterinary supervision, samples were obtained from various regions of the ductus deferens and prostate gland and processed using general histology and immunohistochemical methods. Results: The secretory end pieces of the vas deferens ampulla and prostate gland of the Saudi Arabian dromedary camel were well developed during reproductive and non-reproductive seasons. The spermatozoa were noticed in the lumen of the ductus deferens during the reproductive and non-reproductive seasons. The response of AQP-5 in the ductus deferens was particularly significant throughout the not-rutting season. Moreover, during the non-breeding season, the prostate gland showed a strong to moderate response. In the breeding season, the ampulla of the ductus deferens showed an insignificant reaction. Additionally, the body and disseminated portion of the prostate gland showed a mild to moderate response. Conclusion: The results suggested that Saudi Arabian dromedary camels might produce sperm during rutting and non-rutting seasons. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(3.000): 703-710]

Four healthy, male, adult African lions (Panthera leo) were presented for vasectomy, which was performed for management purposes. After immobilisation with medetomidine and tiletamine/zolazepam the lions were intubated and anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. In each animal, the ductus deferens was located bilaterally, dissected and transected. Following ligation, a technique commonly used in human medicine called fascial interposition, was used to decrease the chances of recanalisation. Using this technique, the prostatic end of the ductus was fixated outside the tunica vaginalis, while the testicular end remained within the tunic. Histopathology was performed in all cases to confirm the presence of the ductus deferens tissue. During the follow up, twelve months later, no complications were noticed by the owner and no new litters have been born since. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding squamate reproductive morphology is crucial for investigating ecological, behavioral, and evolutionary questions. Here, we describe the anatomy and histology of the male genital system of Ameiva ameiva from southeastern Brazil. Ten adult males were dissected to characterize genital macroscopy and collect fragments of the testes, gonadoducts, and kidneys for histological examination. We examined 10 transverse histological sections per individual and measured the epithelial height of the epididymis and ductus deferens. The male reproductive system consists of a pair of yellowish oval testes, the rete testis, ductuli efferentes, epididymis, ductus deferens, ampulla ductus deferentis, sexual segment of the kidney (SSK), cloaca, and hemipenis. The hemipenis is elongated, cylindrical, and unilobed, with a sulcate face and an asulcate face, which has continuous fringes throughout its length. Seminiferous tubules exhibited germ cells at various stages. The epididymis is wider and more coiled than the ductus deferens. The rete testis has a simple squamous epithelium with long stereocilia, while the narrower ductuli efferentes are lined by a simple ciliated cuboidal epithelium. The epididymal epithelium is pseudostratified columnar, with basal and ciliated principal cells, whereas the ductus deferens epithelium is pseudostratified to simple cuboidal. The epididymal epithelium is 1.5 times taller than the ductus deferens epithelium. Here, we observed the SSK present in the cortex of the ventral region of the kidneys due to the hypertrophy of the distal convoluted tubules, as well as its secretory activity. Our findings will contribute to future research into the evolution of squamate reproductive morphology., (© 2024 American Association for Anatomy.)

Introduction: Photoperiodic treatments have been of practical interest in controlling seasonality of reproduction in poultry. Melatonin is responsible for transmission of important photoperiodic signals that regulate reproduction. However, there are limited research on the effect of photic (artificial light) stimulation and melatonin on the sperm cellular characteristics in avian reproduction. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine, the effect of combined influence of varying photoperiodic treatments and exogenous melatonin (Mel) administration on sperm parameters in helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Method: A total of forty-two (42) sexually-matured helmeted guinea fowls were randomly assigned into six (6) photoperiodic regimes; [Group I: short daylight (SD; 8 HL (hour of light (HL) Group II: SD+1mg/kg Mel; 8 HL+ Mel), Group III: regular daylight (RD; 12 HL), Group IV: (RD+1mg/kg; 12 HL+ Mel), Group V: long daylight (LD; 16 HL) and Group VI: (LD+1mg/kg; 16 HL+Mel)] of seven birds (n=7) per group. After 60 days of experimentation, assessment of spermatozoa morphology, motility, concentration and sperm cell live-dead ratio was done. Results: Microscopic evidence revealed that percentage sperm abnormalities were significantly reduced in 16HL +Mel group, compared to other treatment groups. Conversely, the spermatozoa concentration, motility and live-dead ratio were significantly higher (p <0.05) in guinea fowl exposed to 16 HL and exogenously treated with Mel, compared to other groups. Significance: The findings of this study has shown that long photoperiod (16HL) and exogenous melatonin administration remarkably influence the sperm parameters in the exposed helmeted guinea fowl. Hence, guinea fowl breeders could optimize the semen output by the approach regardless of the season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2‐year‐old male neutered Rat Terrier was presented for alopecia, recurrent urinary tract infections, and urinary incontinence. Abdominal ultrasound and CT identified a thin, tubular, paired structure arising from the craniodorsal aspect of an enlarged, cystic prostate. An atypical uterus masculinus was initially suspected, however it was then identified that the patient had chronic exogenous estrogen exposure, and surgical resection and histopathology was consistent with an enlarged and inflamed vas deferens. Vas deferens enlargement and vasitis secondary to chronic hyperestrogenism should be considered for a tubular, paired structure arising from the craniodorsal prostate in a male dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To determine the peculiarities of organization of morphological structures of the drainage systems of a testicle and their role in pathogenesis of infertility in the men. Маterials and methods. The structure and interrelationship of morphological parameters of the drainage systems of a testicle were investigated in 71 biopsies of a testicle, excised during necropexy in men of the adult age (22 - 35 yrs old). On histological preparations of testicles, using morphometric rule АМ-9-4 and the Stefanov’s net on 25 points, there were measured the external diameters of the arteriolas, capillaries, venulas and the nerves. Results. During tоtal investigation of histological sections of the ductus deferens preparations in part of a deep ring of inguinal channel there were obtained following morphological data: the Abstract quantity of big vessels in all the sections of preparations consisted of 16 аrteries with a general square 51.3805 × 10-3 mm2; 28 veins with general square 38.2511 × 10-3 mm²; 18 аrteiols with general square 2.8136 × 10-3 mm²; 30 venulas with general square 2.2681 × 10-3 mm²; there were revealed as well 4 nerves of general square 0.3686 × 10-3 mm² and 4 neural trunks of general square 3.5801 × 10-3mm². Conclusion. The data obtained, concerning histological and morphological investigation of samples of ductus deferens confirms probability, that in its proximal part the blood-bearing vessels are present, which are bigger but lesser in number, while the nerves, diameter of which is objectively lesser than in the nerves trunks, are more pronounced in direction of distal part of ductus deferens.

Homeobox (HOX) proteins are known for their critical role in body shape formation and tissue differentiation of developing vertebrate embryos. Recent research has shown that HOX proteins have many physiological roles such as cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and cell differentiation in adults, as well as the development of the vertebrate nerve and reproductive system. This study was conducted to determine the possible physiological functions and expression intensities of HOXA10, HOXA11, HOXB6 and HOXC6 proteins in the male reproductive system (testes, epididymis and deferens ducts), which are important for the continuity of some specific cat breeds in different age ranges. In the study, a total of 18 testicular tissues were used, divided into two groups: less than 6 months (immature) and more than 1 year (mature). Tissue samples were then subjected to immunohistochemical staining with protein‐specific antibodies examined in the study. In the findings obtained in the research; it was observed that HOXA10, HOXA11, HOXB6 and HOXC6 produced different intensities of immunolocalization in the epididymis and ductus deferens layers in the immature and mature testicular cells. In addition, it was found that HOXA10 immunoreaction was also seen in some vascular endothelial cells. As a result, it was concluded that the HOX proteins could contribute to the physiological functions of testes, epididymis and ductus deferens and affect male fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used histological and morphometric methods to study the testis and associated glands, including the epididymis, ductus deferens, and renal sexual segment (RSS), of specimens of Basiliscus vittatus sampled from Tabasco, Mexico (17.5926° N, 92.5816° W). Samples were collected throughout 1 year, which included the dry (February to May) and rainy (June to January) seasons. Spermatogenesis in B. vittatus is active throughout the year, but a significant increase in the testicular volume, diameters of seminiferous tubules, height of the germinal epithelium, spermiogenesis, and released spermatozoa occur in the dry season. During the rainy season, all aforementioned parameters decreased except the secretory activity of the epididymis and the RSS, which increased concomitant with an increase of the spermatozoa population within the ductus deferens. These data strongly suggest that B. vittatus reproduce year-round, but males exhibit a peak in spermatogenic activity during the dry season and a peak in insemination and/or copulation at the beginning of the rainy season. We highlight the importance of analyzing not only the testis but also accessory ducts and glands when determining the reproductive cycles of reptiles. The reproductive cycle of B. vittatus is discussed in relation to the environmental conditions of Southern Mexico and is compared to that of other squamates., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Ductus deferens plays an important role in sperm transport and participates in the preservation of structure, maturation, and viability of sperm. In this study, we have immunohistochemically examined the ductus deferens in the goat. For immunohistochemical study the following monoclonal antibodies were used: cytokeratin 18, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin and elastin. Morphologically, three distinct layers were identified in the goat ductus deferens — tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica adventitia. The epithelium of the mucosa was intensely stained with cytokeratin 18 (CK 18). The fibroblasts in the lamina propria and blood capillaries in the muscle layer showed positive reaction for vimentin. A positive reaction for α-SMA was observed in the smooth muscle cells of the tunica muscularis in the internal, middle and outer sublayers. An intense positive reaction for α-SMA was observed in the wall of the blood vessels. Elastic fibers in the form of a loose meshwork were present in all three layers. The high density of elastic fibers were found in the tunica adventitia.

Purpose: To evaluate the vas deferens and testicles of rats submitted to bilateral inguinotomy and polypropylene (PP) mesh placement.Method: Sixty Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: Control (inguinotomy only), mesh placement over the vas deferens (Mesh-DD) or under the spermatic funiculus (Mesh-SF). The following analyses were performed: vas deferens morphometry (lumen area and wall thickness), quantification of collagen fibers, spermatogenesis, apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3 and TUNEL) and cellular proliferation (Ki67). Quantitative gene expression (qPCR) for apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by RT-PCR.Results: In the apoptosis pathway, Mesh-DD showed one upregulated gene (Il10) and three downregulated genes (Fadd, Tnfrsf1b and Xiap). In Mesh-SF, 17 genes were downregulated. In the inflammation pathway (Mesh-DD), one gene was upregulated (Il1r1), and one gene was downregulated (Ccl12). In Mesh-SF, three genes were upregulated (Il1r1, Tnfsf13b and Csf1), and two were downregulated (Ccl12 and Csf2). PP mesh placement preserved spermatogenesis and did not alter the vas deferens or the testicle. In the ductus deferens, there was reduced luminal area (30 days), increased wall thickness (90 days), and increased type III collagen and cell proliferation (30 and 90 days) (p < 0.05). In the testicle, cell proliferation was greater in the Mesh-DD (p < 0.05).Conclusions: PP mesh, whether or not in direct contact with spermatic funicular structures, induces changes that were not sufficient to cause damage to the evaluated organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In small and laboratory animals epididymal spermatozoa can be collected only by the mincing technique however, blood and cell debris contamination may adversely affect the quality of the samples. This study aimed at performing the retrograde flushing technique, for the first time, in the tomcat. In the first experiment attempts to insert a blunted needle into tomcats' ductus deferentes were made and the cannulation time and the success rate were recorded. In the second experiment, insertion of the needle into the ductus was carried out under a stereomicroscope for one testis, while the other was submitted to mincing for sperm recovery and the samples obtained from paired testes were compared. In the first study, only twenty-eight percent of the cannulation attempts were successful whereas in the second experiment, 91% of the deferentes were successfully cannulated: 80% of the ducts were cannulated in less than three minutes. The stereomicroscope-aided retrograde flushing samples showed significantly higher sperm viability, motility and velocities, as compared to those resulted from mincing. The domestic cat serves as a model for more than 36 species of wild felids; the developed stereomicroscope-aided retrograde flushing technique has the potential to become the gold standard method for harvesting spermatozoa of endangered species that have a small ductus deferens. • The tomcat ductus deferens could be cannulated under the stereomicroscope. • The cannulation could be performed in a short time with the stereomicroscope. • Compared to mincing, the retrograde flushing improved the sperm parameters. • The RF could be the gold standard for epididimal sperm collection in small animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed to investigate the histological characteristics of the Tomcats accessory sex glands. A total of six indigenous Tom cats were used in this study. The samples of the ampulla of ductus deferens, prostate and bulbourethral glands were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin saline, and processed with routine paraffin technique. The tissue sections were stained by Hematoxyline & Eosin, Masson's trichrom and PAS stains. Results showed that the mucosa of ampulla has composed of tunica mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia. The tunica mucosa lined by mucous secreting cells which showed negative reaction for PAS stain and non-secreting cells which have intense reaction for PAS stain. The tunica muscularis composed of circular oriented smooth muscle fibers. The tunica adventia composed of dense irregular collagenous connective tissue. Prostate was large tubuloalveolar gland, surrounded the pelvic urethra; the gland consisted of very thick peri urethral tunica mucosa which lined with transitional epithelium. The prostatic lamina propria composed of collagen bundles, tubuloalveolar glands and manifested by many of like cavernous tissue wide veins. The prostate glandular epithelium was pseudo stratified columnar to low cuboidal which showed intense reaction for PAS stain. The muscularis of prostate composed of thick layer of skeletal muscle cells. The bulbourethral glands surrounded by a thick fibro-muscular capsule whose septa subdivided the gland into lobules. Each lobule composed of tubuloalveolar secretory units. The secretory units were lined by pseudo stratified to simple columnar epithelium supported by a thin layer of myoepithelial cells surrounds each alveolus. The cytoplasm of epithelial secretory units contained acidic secretory granules with Alcian blue (2.5pH) stains (fig.11, 12 & 13). It was concluded that tom cat's accessory glands has devoid of seminal vesicles and has well developed and functional prostate and bulbourethral glands.

The morphological structure and morphometrical features of the ampulla ductus deferens of the adult camels were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy to get better understand with its seasonal variations. The wall of ampulla was composed of mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and serosa or adventitia. It was lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium containing intraepithelial glands. The lamina propria and tunica submucosa formed together the thickest part of the ampullary wall. The ampullary glands were branched tubulo-alveolar, with diverticulae-like appearance and occupied mostly the lamina propria- submucosa. Each gland consisted of peripheral wide and central narrow alveoli that were lined by simple low columnar or cuboidal epithelium and mostly contained spermatozoa and secretory materials. The gland opened in the ampullary lumen by short tubule, which was lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium. Histochemically, the epithelial cells reacted positively to Alcian blue, PAS and sudan black stains and negatively to the Best's carmine stain, indicating the presence of the acid, neutral glycoprotein and fatty droplet, as well as absence of the glycogen. Morphometrically, the height of the luminal and glandular epithelia, thickness of the lamina propria- submucosa and ratio of the glandular to the connective tissue showed seasonal variations. The height of the luminal and glandular epithelia reached their maximum values in winter and decreased gradually throughout spring and recorded the lowest values in summer. Scanning electron microscopy revealed various shaped openings in the luminal surface of the ampulla. The cells apices were studded with short microvilli and many secretory granules or vesicles. The ampullary glands appeared as a network of diverticulae-like structure, which occupied mostly the lamina propria-submuosa. The cells apices of the glandular epithelium were stereo-ciliated, microvilliated cells or showed central bleb-like protrusion surrounded by thin long microvilli. The glandular alveoli contained spermatozoa and secretory materials. In conclusion, the camel ampulla ductus deferentis performs a storage function in addition to its secretory one, where both are subjecting to seasonal variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The perineurium constitutes the basis for the regulation of endoneurial fluid homeostasis. In the work presented here, cytokeratin 18, as an immunohistochemical marker for epithelial cells, was used to identify the perineurium in the peripheral nerves of two species. Two organs, rich in peripheral nerves, were used; the tongue of the bull and the ductus deferens of the male goat. Special attention was paid to one of the the nerve sheath cells - the perineurial cells of myelinated nerves in the skeletal muscle of the tongue and in the smooth muscle in the wall of the ductus deferens. A positive reaction to cytokeratin 18 was found in the perineurial cells of the perineurial sheath in the nerves of various sizes. No difference in the reactivity was observed between the peripheral nerves of the tongue and that of the ductus deferens.

Objective: We investigated structural and morphological changes in prepubertal and pubertal rat testis and ductus deferens after unilateral vasectomy. Vasectomy is reliable and popular male contraception method, applied widely in the world. Methods: Six pre-pubertal and 6 pubertal male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Unilateral ductus deferens ligation was performed on right ductus deferens of each rat. Right testis and ductus deferens tissues were evaluated as ligation group while left tissues were control groups. Two months after operation, the vas deferens and testes removed to obtain paraffin block sections and morphometric studies carried out with light microscopy. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunohistochemically staining were applied. Results: Structural and morphological changes and decrease in spermatogenesis process have been observed at testis and ductus deferens tissues of all vasectomized rat. The seminiferous epithelium and the seminiferous tubule diameter were thickened. Degenerative changes have been observed at the epithelial structure of Ductus deferens and among muscle fibers forming the muscle of the Ductus deferens. Moreover, in prepubertal and pubertal vasectomized rat VEGF immunoreactivity was not observed in seminiferous tubule. Conclusion: The unilateral ligation operation can cause damage at ductus deferens and testis tissue in the pre-pubertal and pubertal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The male reproductive cycle of Philodryas patagoniensis in south Brazil was described through morpho-anatomical and histological analysis of individuals deposited in zoological collections. Spermatogenesis occurred during late autumn-winter (June-September) and spermiogenesis occurred in spring-summer (October-March). The volume of the testes was smaller (quiescent) in winter, while the tubular diameter and the epithelial height of the seminiferous tubule were larger in summer (January-March). The ductus deferens presented spermatozoa all over the year and had no seasonal variation in diameter. The length of the kidney was larger in winter-spring (July-December), although the tubular diameter and epithelium height of the sexual segment of the kidney ( SSK) were larger only in winter (July-September). Total testicular regression was observed in late autumn (May), simultaneously with the peak in SSK. Therefore, at the individual level, males exhibit a discontinuous cyclical reproduction. Considering the population level, the reproductive cycle is seasonal semisynchronous, with most of the individuals showing a reproductive peak in spring-summer (October-March). Here, we present evidence to support the importance of the microscopic approach to reproductive cycle studies. Finally, we discuss the intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing P. patagoniensis reproductive patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aseel is an indigenous breed of poultry recognized for its majestic gait and cock fighting.Southern part of Chhattisgarh is its breeding tract. Vanaraja is a crossbreed being popularized by the Department of Animal Husbandary (C.G.) to improve the livelihood of tribal peoples.Ductus deferens is part of reproductive system which plays an important role in transportation of spermatozoa and fertilization. In the present study, 10 birds of two age group viz. 5 months (grower) and 13 months (adult) of each breed were used. Ductus deferens was collected,processed and sections were stained for demonstration of normal histological structure, collagen fibers, elastic fibers, reticular fibers, carbohydrates and mucopolysaccharides. The height of epithelium, height of mucosal folds at different segments, number of mucosal folds per transverse section, thickness of wall excluding mucosal folds, maximum and minimum diameter of ductus deferens was significantly higher in growers and adults of Vanaraja than Aseel. The density of connective tissue fibers, PAS activity and AB-PAS activity was higher in both groups of Vanaraja compared to Aseel.

The aim of this study was to determine whether T cells were recruited in the chicken seminal tract in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The epididymis and ductus deferens were collected from matured roosters before and after 3 or 6 h of intravenous injection with 0.5 mg LPS per kg body-weight (LPS group) or phosphate buffered saline (control group). Their cryostat sections were immunostained using anti-chicken CD4 and CD8 antibodies. The frequencies of immunopositive cells in the rete testis, efferent duct and epididymal duct in the epididymis and ductus deferens were analyzed under a microscope with image analysis software. Both types of T cells were identified predominantly in the connective tissue underlying the mucosal epithelium and occasionally in the epithelium of the ducts in the epididymis and ductus deferens in all birds. Frequency of CD4+ T cell was increased in the ductus deferens 6 h post LPS injection. Their frequency in the efferent duct and ductus deferens was greater in the LPS group than in the control group after 6 h of injection. The frequency of CD8+ T cells in the LPS treated group was significantly increased in the efferent duct after 3 h and in the ductus deferens after 6 h of LPS injection. Significantly higher frequency of CD8+ T cells in the LPS group than in the control group was identified after 6 h of injection in the rete testis, efferent duct and ductus deferens. These results suggest that both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are recruited in response to LPS stimulation in the rooster seminal tract, and the T cell-mediated local immune system is active in that organ.

We describe two new aspects of male reproduction in the pit viper Bothrops cotiara: the formation of mating plugs and epididymal sperm storage. Based on histological analyses of specimens (four males and three females), we propose that long-term sperm storage occurs in the ductus deferens, whereas macroscopic hypertrophy indicates that the epididymis may be a short-term sperm storage site. Secretions of the sexual segment of the kidneys probably form the mating plug that males deposit in the female vagina during copulation. A mating plug without sperm was observed in the spring. Future studies should address the functions and longevity of mating plugs and the role of the epididymis in Bothrops reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was undertaken to establish anatomical norms on ultrastructural and histoenzymatic parameters of ductus deferens of goat.Age related changes in the ultrastructural and histoenzymic status of the ductus deference conducted on thirty goats of different age groups viz. kid, young and adult.The ductus deferens was lined by pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium. The ductus deferens had four main tunics viz., tunica serosa, tunica muscularis, tunica submucosa and mucosa. At terminal segment ductus deferens showed some variation in the submucosal layer in young and adult groups. Intense to mild activity of histoenzymes were observed at different sites of ductus deferens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to observe the possible protective effects of resveratrol (RSV) against damage induced by di-n-butylphthalate (DBP), on the ductus epididymis and deferens in rats. Materials and Methods: Six groups of rats were used in the experiment: Group 1: Control group; Group 2: Solvent (carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), 10ml/kg); Group 3: 500 mg/kg/day DBP; Group 4: 500 mg/kg/day DBP+20 mg/kg/day RSV; Group 5: 1000 mg/kg/day DBP; Group 6: 1000mg/kg/day DBP + 20 mg/kg/day RSV. Groups were treated by gavage for 30 days. Immunohistochemical, electronmicroscopic and histomorphometric examinations were carried out in the epididymis and deferens. Results: In the ductus epididymis and deferens mitochondrial crystolysis, exfoliation of the stereocilia and openings in lateral surface increased with DBP dosage, but these structures were recovered with RSV. DBP reduced the epithelial height of epididymis and vas deferens. Lumen dilatation was observed in both tissues. These disorders may lead to dysfunction of epithelial absorption. In the TUNEL examinations in both tissues, there were no apoptotic cells or apoptotic bodies. Conclusion: In conclusion, DBP administration caused structural degeneration in the epididymis and deferens, parallel to dose evaluation and RSV can reverse these changes with its protective effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ampulla ureter and ampulla urogenital/uriniferous papilla represent differing morphologies of the caudal urogenital ducts in snakes. The ampulla ureter is an enlarged portion of the caudal extremity of the ureter that communicates the cranial regions of the ureter and the ductus deferens/Wolffian duct to the urodaeum. The ampulla urogenital/uriniferous papilla is an enlarged pouch, distinct from the ureter, which communicates the ureter and ductus deferens/Wolffian duct to the urodaeum. Although functional differences of these two structures are unknown, the ampulla urogenital/uriniferous papilla may have evolved for urine storage in males and females, and secondarily evolved a reproductive function in males. The most parsimonious optimization of the ampulla ureter and ampulla urogenital/uriniferous papilla indicates that the ampulla ureter is the ancestral state in snakes. Examining the presence or absence of the ampulla ureter and ampulla urogenital/uriniferous papilla in snakes on conflicting caenophidian phylogenies results in two hypotheses for the evolution of these variant morphologies: (1) The ampulla urogenital/uriniferous papilla evolved from the ampulla ureter independently in the Colubroidea and Elapoidea with subsequent losses of the ampulla urogenital/uriniferous papilla in the Elapoidea and (2) a single transition from the ampulla ureter to the ampulla urogenital/uriniferous papilla on the branch leading to the Colubroidea + Elapoidea with subsequent losses of the ampulla urogenital/uriniferous papilla in the Elapoidea and Colubroidea. The presence of the ampullae urogenital/uriniferous papilla in only the Colubroidea and Elapoidea highlights the affinity of these two taxonomic groups, a relationship that is strongly supported in published cladograms produced with molecular datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unilateral renal agenesis with an absence of the seminal vesicle, epididymis and ductus deferens is rare and is the result of a developmental disorder of the mesonephric or Wolffian duct. We report the case of a 22-year-old man who presented with testicular pain on the left side of 3 weeks' duration. During the clinical investigation of the scrotum a nonpalpable ductus deferens on the left side was found incidentally. As a result of the urological ultrasound the diagnosis of renal, epididymal, seminal vesicle and ductus deferens agenesis on the left was confirmed. As a vascular variety the CT demonstrated 2 renal veins and 2 renal arteries on the right originating from the superior mesenteric artery together with the right hepatic artery. The testicular artery was placed on both sides. Further diagnostic investigations including a spermiogram, hormone analysis and kidney function tests were normal. Congenital urogenital malformations can be found in various combinations even in adults. Unilateral absence of the vas deferens during clinical examination should alert the clinician to an underlying renal, seminal vesicle and epididymal anomaly; further urological investigation is mandatory. A genetic investigation of the CFTR gene is not necessary in the absence of both ductus deferentes with renal agenesis. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents first two cases of laparoscopically assisted cryptorchidectomy using the LigaSure® device performed on clinical patients at our department; namely, a four-year-old German shepherd and a thirteen-year-old Maltese dog. The cryptorchid testis was laparoscopically localized and grasped and by sequential grasping of the spermatic funicle using the LigaSure® device, a. et v. testicularis, ductus deferens as well as a. et v. ductus deferentis were successively coagulated and transected. The testis was removed from the abdominal cavity through a slightly enlarged incision for the instrument port. The testis positioned in the scrotum was in both cases removed using prescrotal castration with ligature of the spermatic funicle and a. et v. testicularis, ductus deferens as well as a. et v. ductus deferentis. Both patients were released into home care on the second day after the procedure without the need to administer further analgesics. No complications with anaesthesia, surgical procedure or complications in the postoperative period were recorded. Laparoscopically assisted method of coagulation and transection of the blood vessels and ductus deferens using the LigaSure® device appears as clinically applicable, fast and safe miniinvasive method of cryptorchidectomy in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of mesh-based therapies of inguinal hernias is increasing compared with the classical suture techniques such as Shouldice and Bassini. Many different types of meshes with regard to material, pore size and surface coating are available. A recently offered mesh (Parietene™ Progrip™) combines the properties of a standard lightweight polypropylene mesh with a whole surface fixation by incorporation of micro hooks. Therefore, additional fixation elements such as screws, tacks or clips become redundant when using this material. However, in treated male patients the micro hooks will also come into contact with the ductus deferens. As the sensitivity of this structure is known, the question arises of whether this new self-gripping mesh might damage susceptible tissue layers and impair male fertility. Two different meshes, a standard lightweight polypropylene mesh (Parietene-Light™) and a new self-gripping polypropylene mesh (Parietene™ Progrip™) with absorbable micro hooks were wrapped surgically around the prepared ductus deferens of each of ten Sprague–Dawley rats. In five control rats ducts were only separated bluntly from adherent tissue. After 2 months rats were sacrificed and implants were recovered together with the ductus deferens for histology and electron microscopy. Samples from all animals showed an unrestricted lumen of the ductus deferens. Only minor inflammatory reactions with some infiltrating cells could be observed. Giant cells were present around the mesh fibres. Scanning electron microscopy revealed no degradation of the material surface after 2 months of implantation. The new self-gripping mesh showed no harmful influence on the ductus deferens in the rat model. Considering the larger dimensions of the ductus deferens in humans any detrimental effect on the exposed tissue can be excluded. The surface of the fibres was not subjected to material degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the supplementation of Vitamin E in diet on development of reproductive organs in Boer goat. Twenty-four healthy, Boer male kids of similar body weight (BW) were selected at 3 months of age from the kid flock. The Boer kids were randomly divided into four groups and each group was supplemented with Vitamin E at 0, 80, 320 or 880IUkid−1 d−1 for 5 months. Three Boer goats in each group were slaughtered at the age of 8 months and measured for testis and epididymises and a ductus deferens biopsy by H&E stained slides was run. The results showed that supplementing 80 and 320IUkid−1 d−1 Vitamin E increased weights of the epididymis and the numeric density of convoluted seminiferous tubules. Diameters of convoluted seminiferous tubules and epididymis ductules and numeric density of spermatogenic cells tended to be larger in 80IUkid−1 d−1 compared to the control group (P <0.05). Weight of ductus deferens and thickness of epididymis wall were increased significantly with 320IUkid−1 d−1 (P <0.01). However, no significant effects were observed on thickness of germinal epithelium, numeric density of leydig cells, testis weight or indexes of ductus deferens (P >0.05). In conclusion, supplementing 80 and 320IUkid−1 d−1 Vitamin E in diets significantly simulates the development of reproductive organs in Boer goats. No significantly improved effects were found from supplementing 880IUkid−1 d−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To understand the role of peptidases in seminal physiology of Crotalus durissus terrificus, intra- and inter-seasonal activity levels of acid (APA), basic (APB), puromycin-sensitive (APN-PS) and puromycin-insensitive neutral (APN-PI), cystyl (CAP), dipeptidyl-IV (DPPIV), type-1 pyroglutamyl (PAP-I) and prolyl-imino (PIP) aminopeptidases as well as prolyl endopeptidase (POP) were evaluated in soluble (SF) and/or membrane-bound (MF) fractions of semen collected from the ductus deferens of the male reproductive tract and from the posterior portion of the uterus. Seminal APB, PIP and POP were detected in SF, while other peptidases were detected in SF and MF. Only the convoluted posterior uterus in winter and autumn had semen. Relative to other examined peptidases, in general, APN-PI, APN-PS and APB activities were predominant in the semen from the uterus and throughout the year in the semen from the ductus deferens, suggesting their great relevance in the seminal physiology of C. d. terrificus. The levels of peptidase activities in the ductus deferens semen varied seasonally and were different from those of semen in the uterus, suggesting that their modulatory actions on susceptible peptides are integrated to the male reproductive cycle events and spermatozoa viability of this snake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence, location and degree of immunoexpression of various microfilament (MF) and intermediate filament (IF) systems (actin, cytokeratins, desmin, vimentin) were studied in the excurrent ducts of the testis in sexually mature and active galliform (Japanese quail, domestic fowl, turkey) and anseriform (duck) birds. These proteins were variably expressed between the epithelia and periductal tissue (periductal smooth muscle cell layer and interductal connective tissue) types and between species. Variable heterogeneous co-expression of filament systems was also found in the various duct epithelia and periductal tissue types: co-expression of filament systems was the rule rather than the exception. In the duck, neither vimentin nor cytokeratin was present in any of the tissues, whereas actin and desmin (absent in the rete testis) were co-expressed in the efferent ducts and epididymal duct unit (comprising the ductus conjugens, ductus epididymidis and ductus deferens). Actin, desmin and vimentin were generally co-expressed in the rete testis, efferent ducts and epididymal duct unit of the quail, domestic fowl and turkey, with vimentin being more strongly immunoreactive than actin and desmin in the epididymal duct unit, but more weakly immunoexpressed in the efferent ducts. Cytokeratin was present and co-expressed with actin, desmin and vimentin in the rete testis, efferent ducts and epididymal duct unit of the domestic fowl and turkey, but not in the quail and duck. The periductal smooth muscle cell layer and interductal tissue co-expressed actin, desmin and vimentin variably in all birds. Luminal spermatozoa of both the turkey and duck were immunonegative for all protein systems, whereas those of the quail and domestic fowl co-expressed actin, desmin and vimentin moderately or strongly. The tissues of the reproductive tract of male birds thus contain cytoskeletal protein systems that are variably but mostly co-expressed and whose contractile ability appears necessary and sufficient for transportation through the various excurent ducts of the voluminous testicular fluid and its high sperm content, characteristic features of male avian reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cathepsin D is a cysteine endopeptidase that belongs to the lysosomal enzyme family. The aim of the study was to evaluate the enzyme immunoexpression and activity in selected male genital organs in mature Wistar rats. The activity of cathepsin D was measured spectrophotometrically in homogenates of the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate. Immunohistochemical staining was also performed in the ductus deferens. Enzyme activity was found in the following sequence: testis>epididymis>dorsal prostatic lobe>seminal vesicle>lateral prostatic lobe>ventral prostatic lobe. Although there were differences in enzyme activity between various organs of the male reproductive system, cathepsin D immunoreactivity was seen exclusively in the Sertoli and Leydig cells in the testis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Using the viral transneuronal tracing technique cell groups of the spinal cord and brain transsynaptically connected with the ductus deferens were identified. Neurotropic (pseudorabies) virus was injected into the muscular coat of the ductus deferens and after survival times of 3, 4 and 5 days the spinal cord and brain were processed immunocytochemically. Virus-labelled neurones could be detected in the preganglionic sympathetic neurones and the dorsal commissural nucleus (upper lumbar segments) and in the sacral parasympathetic nucleus (L6 -S1 ). Virus-infected perikarya were present in several brain stem nuclei including the gigantocellular and paragigantocellular nucleus, the lateral reticular nucleus, the nucleus of the solitary tract, the caudal raphe nuclei, the A1/C1, A2, A5 and A7 noradrenergic cell groups and the locus coeruleus. In the hypothalamus significant numbers of virus-infected neurones could be detected in the paraventricular nucleus. In most cases moderate numbers of virus-labelled cells were present in the lateral hypothalamic area, in the retrochiasmatic area, in the periventricular region and in the median preoptic area. Double-labelling immunofluorescence detection of virus-infected neurones and thyrosine hydroxylase (TH) showed colocalization of virus protein and TH in portion of neurones of the A1/C1, A2, A5 and A7 noradrenergic cell groups, in the locus coeruleus and in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. The present results provide the first morphological data on the multisynaptic circuit of neurones innervating the ductus deferens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]