ISSN:
0003-276X
Keywords:
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
The fine structure of the epldidymal epithelium of the rat was studied at intervals up to nine months after bilateral vasectomy, unilateral vasectomy, or a bilateral sham operation. Membranous material accumulated in the cytoplasm of the ‘light’ cells of the cauda epididymidis in greater amounts after bilateral vasectomy than following a sham operation. The membranes were found in apical vacuoles, in moderately dense membrane-bounded bodies in the mid-region of the cells, and, most prominently, in large infranuclear masses. These large infranuclear membranous masses had a polymorphic interior composed of granules and amorphous material as well as membranes, and thus morphologically resembled large lysosomes or residual bodies. In some instances readily dentifiable parts of sperm were found in apical vacuoles of epithelial cells after vasectomy. It is suggested that these changes may reflect the absorption of parts of sperm by the epithelium of the cauda epididymidis after vasectomy. The nature of the ‘light’ cells is discussed, and the results are compared with alterations in other species after vasectomy.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ar.1091730304