No description available.

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is a novel family of peptides, of which CART peptide fragments 55-102 and 62-102 are reported to be the endogenous, physiologically active peptides. Immunohistochemical studies with an antiserum directed against the CART peptide fragment 55-102 revealed CART-like immunoreactive (CART-LI) nerve fibers in the rat epididymis. The number was highest in the cauda epididymis and became progressively fewer toward the caput epididymis; the vas deferens exhibited an abundance of CART-LI fibers. Injection of the retrograde tracer Fluorogold (Fluorochrome, Inc., Englewood, CO) to the junction between the vas deferens and cauda epididymis labeled a large number of neurons in the major pelvic ganglion, some of which were CART-positive. Double-labeling the ganglion sections with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and CART antisera revealed that CART-LI and TH-LI were expressed in two distinct populations of ganglion cells. Some of the TH-LI cells in the ganglia, however, were covered with web-like CART-LI endings. The effects of CART peptide 55-102, referred to herein as CART, on anion secretion in the form of short circuit currents (Isc) were assessed in cultured epithelia. The CART (1 to 5 μM) applied to the basolateral or apical side of the cultured epithelia caused no significant responses on Isc, whereas lys-bradykinin (1 μM) produced a large Isc response in the same preparations. Our results show that CART-LI is present in a population of rat pelvic ganglion cells, which may give rise to CART-LI nerve fibers as observed in the vas deferens and the epididymis. The biological function of CART in the rat epididymis is not known, but it apparently is not involved in ion secretion across the epithelium.

<p>The vervet monkey, Chlorocebus aethiops, an Old World monkey, has been often used in biomedical research programs (toxicological studies and fertility) because of the inaccessibility of relevant human tissues. Data from nonhuman primates have been a vital component of advances in areas such as infertility, contraception, and other reproductive processes because of the phylogenetic closeness of the primates to humans. The aims and objectives of the study were 1) to describe the gross morphology, histology and ultrastructure of the male reproductive system, 2) to describe and compare the processes of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis of the vervet monkey to humans and other nonhuman primates, and 3) to evaluate the vervet monkey as a possible experimental model for future human reproductive studies.</p> <p>Twenty-nine adult male vervet monkeys, aged between 5 and 11 years, were used. Gross morphological features of different organs of the reproductive tract were recorded. Light and electron microscopic techniques, and methacrylate sections were used on selected tissues of the reproductive tract. The results showed that the vervet monkey has a male&nbsp / reproductive system similar to many non-human primates studied and man. The epididymis was distinctively subdivided into the caput, corpus, and the caudal regions. No significant differences were observed on the epithelial height of these three regions. Four cell types, apical, principal, and basal cells, and the intraepithelial lymphocytes were observed. The basal cell distribution showed significant differences among three regions of the epididymis (P &le / 0.01). There were numerous phagocytic vesicles found in three regions of the epididymis. The Sertoli cells showed perforated sleeve-like processes which encased elongated and mature spermatids ready for spermiation. The nuclei of the Sertoli cells were found to be multilobed (4 to 5) compared to the less lobular nuclei of the human Sertoli cells (2 to 3). The Leydig cells showed typical features of steroidogenic cells with abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum, numerous large mitochondria, and few rough endoplasmic reticulum.</p> <p>It was concluded that the gross morphology and structure of the reproductive tract of the vervet monkey has many similarities to humans and other mammals. Secondly, the organization of spermatogenesis is similar to that found in humans, and is commonly known as a helical arrangement. The results further suggest that the vervet monkey could be regarded as suitable model for human male reproductive studies.</p> <p>&nbsp / </p>

<p>The vervet monkey, Chlorocebus aethiops, an Old World monkey, has been often used in biomedical research programs (toxicological studies and fertility) because of the inaccessibility of relevant human tissues. Data from nonhuman primates have been a vital component of advances in areas such as infertility, contraception, and other reproductive processes because of the phylogenetic closeness of the primates to humans. The aims and objectives of the study were 1) to describe the gross morphology, histology and ultrastructure of the male reproductive system, 2) to describe and compare the processes of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis of the vervet monkey to humans and other nonhuman primates, and 3) to evaluate the vervet monkey as a possible experimental model for future human reproductive studies.</p> <p>Twenty-nine adult male vervet monkeys, aged between 5 and 11 years, were used. Gross morphological features of different organs of the reproductive tract were recorded. Light and electron microscopic techniques, and methacrylate sections were used on selected tissues of the reproductive tract. The results showed that the vervet monkey has a male&nbsp / reproductive system similar to many non-human primates studied and man. The epididymis was distinctively subdivided into the caput, corpus, and the caudal regions. No significant differences were observed on the epithelial height of these three regions. Four cell types, apical, principal, and basal cells, and the intraepithelial lymphocytes were observed. The basal cell distribution showed significant differences among three regions of the epididymis (P &le / 0.01). There were numerous phagocytic vesicles found in three regions of the epididymis. The Sertoli cells showed perforated sleeve-like processes which encased elongated and mature spermatids ready for spermiation. The nuclei of the Sertoli cells were found to be multilobed (4 to 5) compared to the less lobular nuclei of the human Sertoli cells (2 to 3). The Leydig cells showed typical features of steroidogenic cells with abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum, numerous large mitochondria, and few rough endoplasmic reticulum.</p> <p>It was concluded that the gross morphology and structure of the reproductive tract of the vervet monkey has many similarities to humans and other mammals. Secondly, the organization of spermatogenesis is similar to that found in humans, and is commonly known as a helical arrangement. The results further suggest that the vervet monkey could be regarded as suitable model for human male reproductive studies.</p> <p>&nbsp / </p>

MARTINS, Jorge André Matias. Avaliação da biometria testicular, epididimal e de glândulas sexuais acessórias e correlações entre características biométricas e histológicas em carneiros deslanados sprd. 2006. 56 f. : Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Departamento de Zootecnia, Fortaleza-CE, 2006. / Submitted by Nádja Goes (nmoraissoares@gmail.com) on 2016-08-01T12:33:32Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2006_dis_jammartins.pdf: 532644 bytes, checksum: 997a7780ea614be6ad84b2772b07b79a (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Nádja Goes (nmoraissoares@gmail.com) on 2016-08-01T12:33:59Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2006_dis_jammartins.pdf: 532644 bytes, checksum: 997a7780ea614be6ad84b2772b07b79a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-01T12:33:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2006_dis_jammartins.pdf: 532644 bytes, checksum: 997a7780ea614be6ad84b2772b07b79a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006 / The present study was conducted to evaluate aspects of the reproductive tract of crossbred rams raised in the semi-arid region of the Brazilian Northeast. Correlations between measurements of the testes, epididymis and accessory sex glands and variables related to the spermatogenic process were also determined. Data were obtained from 19 animals slaughtered at the approximate age of 60 weeks. Seminiferous tubules were studied with regard to volume, length and height and the population of Sertoli and germ cells. Associations between variables were estimated by Pearson’s method (p < 0.05) and linear regression analysis using StatView 5.0 software (SAS, 1998). Significant correlations were found among all testis measurements (weight, length, width and volume) and other aspects of the reproductive trait, such as length of the cauda epididymis (CCauEp; r = 0.66 to 0.68) and weight of the accessory sex glands (AG; r = 0.68 to 0.72). Weight of AG was also associated with epididymal weight and CCauEp (r = 0.56 and 0.70, respectively), suggesting the existence of a synchronized development of the male reproductive trait. Testis width (TW) represented the variable with the most significant correlations with testis weight, length and volume (r = 0.88; 0.87 and 0.94). Moreover, regression model allowed the empirical estimate of testis volume (TV) based on testis width: TV = - 260.17 + 68.479 x TW (R² = 0.95). This characteristic (TW) was highly correlated with important aspects of gonad histology, such as volume of the seminiferous tubules (r = 0.96), number of round spermatids per testis (r = 0.89) and daily production of round spermatids (r = 0.89). Linear regression models with high coefficients of determination (R²) allowed the estimation of histological parameters based on testis width. In conclusion, the present study shows, for the first time, information about the weight of accessory sex glands in crossbred rams. It was also observed that animals with larger testes had larger epididymis and accessory sex glands and greater quantitative estimates of the spermatogenesis. Testis width should be useful for selection of sires because it is of easy measurement. / O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a biometria de partes do trato reprodutor de ovinos deslanados sem padrão racial definido (SPRD) criados no semi-árido nordestino, e correlacionar os dados biométricos testiculares, epididimais e de glândulas sexuais acessórias com variáveis associadas ao processo espermatogênico. Os dados biométricos foram obtidos a partir dos testículos, epidídimos e das glândulas sexuais acessórias de 19 animais abatidos em torno de 60 semanas de idade. O parênquima testicular foi avaliado quanto ao diâmetro, volume e comprimento dos túbulos seminíferos, altura do epitélio germinativo e população de células e Sertoli e germinativas. Foram realizadas análises de correlação de Pearson (p < 0.05) entre as características estudadas e montados modelos de regressão linear simples para estas mesmas variáveis através do programa estatístico StatView, 5.0 (SAS, 1998). Correlações significativas foram verificadas entre todas as medidas testiculares (peso, comprimento, largura e volume) e as outras medidas do trato reprodutor, como comprimento da cauda do epidídimo (CCauEp; r=0,66 a 0,68) e as peso das glândulas sexuais acessórias (r=0,68 a 0,72). Estas também tiveram correlações significativas com o peso do epidídimo e com o CCauEp (r=0,56 e 0,70, respectivamente), o que sugere a existência de uma sinergia no desenvolvimento do trato genital masculino. A largura testicular (LT) foi o parâmetro que apresentou correlações mais significativas com peso, comprimento e volume testiculares (r=0,88; 0,87 e 0,94) e os modelos de regressão que permitem estimar qualquer uma dessas características, a exemplo do volume testicular: VT = -260,17 + 68,479 x LT; R²= 0,95. Esta característica também esteve alta e significativamente correlacionada com mportantes parâmetros histológicos, como volume do túbulo seminífero (r=0,96), número de espermátides arredondadas por testículo (r=0,89) e produção diária de espermátides arredondadas (r=0,89). Os modelos de regressão linear simples com coeficientes de determinação (R²) elevados permitem estimar as características histológicas a partir da largura testicular. No presente estudo, foram obtidos, pela primeira vez, os pesos das glândulas vesiculares e bulbo-uretrais em ovinos SPRD e pôde-se observar que animais com maior medidas testiculares também apresentaram elevados parâmetros quantitativos da espermatogênese e maiores epidídimos e glândulas vesiculares. A largura testicular pode ser útil para seleção de reprodutores por ser uma característica de fácil mensuração.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a biometria de partes do trato reprodutor de ovinos deslanados sem padrÃo racial definido (SPRD) criados no semi-Ãrido nordestino, e correlacionar os dados biomÃtricos testiculares, epididimais e de glÃndulas sexuais acessÃrias com variÃveis associadas ao processo espermatogÃnico. Os dados biomÃtricos foram obtidos a partir dos testÃculos, epidÃdimos e das glÃndulas sexuais acessÃrias de 19 animais abatidos em torno de 60 semanas de idade. O parÃnquima testicular foi avaliado quanto ao diÃmetro, volume e comprimento dos tÃbulos seminÃferos, altura do epitÃlio germinativo e populaÃÃo de cÃlulas e Sertoli e germinativas. Foram realizadas anÃlises de correlaÃÃo de Pearson (p < 0.05) entre as caracterÃsticas estudadas e montados modelos de regressÃo linear simples para estas mesmas variÃveis atravÃs do programa estatÃstico StatView, 5.0 (SAS, 1998). CorrelaÃÃes significativas foram verificadas entre todas as medidas testiculares (peso, comprimento, largura e volume) e as outras medidas do trato reprodutor, como comprimento da cauda do epidÃdimo (CCauEp; r=0,66 a 0,68) e as peso das glÃndulas sexuais acessÃrias (r=0,68 a 0,72). Estas tambÃm tiveram correlaÃÃes significativas com o peso do epidÃdimo e com o CCauEp (r=0,56 e 0,70, respectivamente), o que sugere a existÃncia de uma sinergia no desenvolvimento do trato genital masculino. A largura testicular (LT) foi o parÃmetro que apresentou correlaÃÃes mais significativas com peso, comprimento e volume testiculares (r=0,88; 0,87 e 0,94) e os modelos de regressÃo que permitem estimar qualquer uma dessas caracterÃsticas, a exemplo do volume testicular: VT = -260,17 + 68,479 x LT; RÂ= 0,95. Esta caracterÃstica tambÃm esteve alta e significativamente correlacionada com mportantes parÃmetros histolÃgicos, como volume do tÃbulo seminÃfero (r=0,96), nÃmero de espermÃtides arredondadas por testÃculo (r=0,89) e produÃÃo diÃria de espermÃtides arredondadas (r=0,89). Os modelos de regressÃo linear simples com coeficientes de determinaÃÃo (RÂ) elevados permitem estimar as caracterÃsticas histolÃgicas a partir da largura testicular. No presente estudo, foram obtidos, pela primeira vez, os pesos das glÃndulas vesiculares e bulbo-uretrais em ovinos SPRD e pÃde-se observar que animais com maior medidas testiculares tambÃm apresentaram elevados parÃmetros quantitativos da espermatogÃnese e maiores epidÃdimos e glÃndulas vesiculares. A largura testicular pode ser Ãtil para seleÃÃo de reprodutores por ser uma caracterÃstica de fÃcil mensuraÃÃo. / The present study was conducted to evaluate aspects of the reproductive tract of crossbred rams raised in the semi-arid region of the Brazilian Northeast. Correlations between measurements of the testes, epididymis and accessory sex glands and variables related to the spermatogenic process were also determined. Data were obtained from 19 animals slaughtered at the approximate age of 60 weeks. Seminiferous tubules were studied with regard to volume, length and height and the population of Sertoli and germ cells. Associations between variables were estimated by Pearsonâs method (p < 0.05) and linear regression analysis using StatView 5.0 software (SAS, 1998). Significant correlations were found among all testis measurements (weight, length, width and volume) and other aspects of the reproductive trait, such as length of the cauda epididymis (CCauEp; r = 0.66 to 0.68) and weight of the accessory sex glands (AG; r = 0.68 to 0.72). Weight of AG was also associated with epididymal weight and CCauEp (r = 0.56 and 0.70, respectively), suggesting the existence of a synchronized development of the male reproductive trait. Testis width (TW) represented the variable with the most significant correlations with testis weight, length and volume (r = 0.88; 0.87 and 0.94). Moreover, regression model allowed the empirical estimate of testis volume (TV) based on testis width: TV = - 260.17 + 68.479 x TW (RÂ = 0.95). This characteristic (TW) was highly correlated with important aspects of gonad histology, such as volume of the seminiferous tubules (r = 0.96), number of round spermatids per testis (r = 0.89) and daily production of round spermatids (r = 0.89). Linear regression models with high coefficients of determination (RÂ) allowed the estimation of histological parameters based on testis width. In conclusion, the present study shows, for the first time, information about the weight of accessory sex glands in crossbred rams. It was also observed that animals with larger testes had larger epididymis and accessory sex glands and greater quantitative estimates of the spermatogenesis. Testis width should be useful for selection of sires because it is of easy measurement.

Orientadores: Luis Antonio Violin Dias Pereira, Lúcia Elvira Alvares / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-24T14:05:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Barbieri_MainaraFerreira_M.pdf: 6077469 bytes, checksum: c80011c6f6fca680e92ac99691a9c348 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: A origem da albumina nos órgãos do trato reprodutor masculino tem sido questionada ao longo dos anos sendo sua presença tecidual constantemente atribuída a um mecanismo de extravasamento do plasma sanguíneo para o espaço extravascular intersticial, atribuindo-se ao fígado o papel de sítio de síntese desta proteína no período pós-natal. O padrão de distribuição da proteína albumina nos tecidos epiteliais de órgãos do trato reprodutor masculino reserva questionamentos quanto à veracidade de seu alcance luminal pelo rompimento de suas barreiras hematoteciduais. Carreador de esteroides; estimulador de células de Leydig; mediador do mecanismo parácrino de comunicação entre células de Sertoli e germinativas; promotor de proliferação celular e mediador de mudanças estruturais em membranas celulares, com suposta participação na reação acrossômica e capacitação do espermatozoide são possíveis papéis atribuídos à albumina no trato reprodutor masculino. A associação da proteína albumina a componentes glicídicos não é usual para mamíferos, porém há respaldo a essa hipótese através das PES (glicoproteínas pré-albumínicas epidídimo-específicas de ovinos) e dados de nosso grupo de pesquisa através do epítopo reconhecido pelo anticorpo monoclonal (Amc) TRA 54 (testicular germ cells immunized to rat). Essa dissertação de mestrado retoma a polêmica discussão centrada na presença, origem, localização e função da albumina no trato reprodutor masculino e se propôs, através de uma abordagem cronológica pós-natal (períodos neonatal, pré-púbere, púbere, adulto e idoso) a rediscutir os fundamentos teóricos associados à principal proteína sérica de mamíferos bem como o dúbio perfil de expressão dessa proteína em Ratos analbuminêmicos Nagase (NAR). Nesse estudo, a presença da proteína albumina foi evidenciada por immunoblotting em todos os grupos e períodos do desenvolvimento pós-natal, apresentando padrão distinto de bandeamento para testículos e epidídimos NAR. A localização celular da proteína albumina foi identificada em camundongos, por imunohistoquímica, principalmente no tecido intersticial e nas células da linhagem germinativa. Testículos de ratos Sprague Dawley adultos apresentaram marcação adicional para células de Sertoli. Testículos e epidídimos de NAR mantiveram reatividade intersticial, sugerindo, ainda que em níveis extremamente baixos, a expressão de albumina. Para epidídimos, foi identificado amplo espectro de perfis de imunomarcação das células epiteliais e estereocílios. Ductos deferentes apresentaram, na região proximal ao epidídimo, imunomarcação citoplasmática e, na região distal, marcação de estereocílios e espermatozoides luminais. Perfis de imunomarcação citoplasmática também foram observados em vesícula seminal, próstata e uretra peniana, principalmente, no período adulto. Por fim, a presença de transcritos de RNAm detectados por ensaios de RT PCR (reação em cadeia de polimerase via transcriptase reversa) para testículos e epidídimos foi confirmada desde o período neonatal até idoso, mostrando-se também presente para ducto deferente a partir da puberdade. A abordagem do desenvolvimento pós-natal revelou um pico de maior expressão da albumina no período adulto com início do declínio registrado no período idoso. Como ressalva final, a confirmação da presença de RNAm para órgãos do trato reprodutor masculino não invalida a hipótese da também presença de albumina circulante, sintetizada, em primeira instância, pelas células hepáticas / Abstract: The origin of the albumin in the male reproductive tract has been questioned over the years and their presence tissue constantly assigned to a mechanism for extravasation of plasma into the interstitial extravascular space, assigning the role of the liver as the site of synthesis of this protein in the postnatal period. The distribution pattern of the albumin protein in the epithelial tissues of organs of the male reproductive tract reserves inquiries as to the veracity of their luminal reach through the disruption of their tissue blood-barriers. Carrier steroids; stimulator of Leydig cells; mediator of paracrine mechanism of communication between Sertoli and germ cells; promoter of cell proliferation and mediator of structural changes in cell membranes, with alleged involvement in the acrosome reaction and capacitation of sperm are possible roles of albumin in the male reproductive tract. The association of the albumin protein to glycidyl components is unusual for mammals, but there is support to this hypothesis by the PES (prealbumins epididymis-specific glycoproteins of sheep) and data from our research group through the epitope recognized by the monoclonal antibody (mAb) TRA 54 (testicular germ cells immunized to rat). This dissertation takes up the controversial discussion centered on the presence, source, location and function of albumin in the male reproductive tract and proposed, through a chronological postnatal approach (neonatal, prepubertal, puberal, adult and elderly periods) to revisit the theoretical foundations associated with major serum protein of mammals as well as the dubious expression profile of this protein in Nagase analbuminemic rats (NAR). In this study, the presence of albumin protein was detected by immunoblotting in all groups and periods of postnatal development, with distinct banding pattern in testis and epididymis of NAR. The cellular localization of the albumin protein has been identified in mice by immunohistochemistry mainly in the interstitial tissue and in germline cells. Testes of Sprague Dawley rats showed additional labeling of Sertoli cells. Testes and epididymides of NAR maintained interstitial reactivity, suggesting the expression of albumin even at extremely low levels. To epididymis a broad spectrum of immunostaining of epithelial cells and stereocilia profiles were identified. Vas deferens showed cytoplasmic immunostaining in the region proximal to epididymis, and in the distal region, stereocilia and luminal spermatozoa labeling. Cytoplasmic immunostaining profiles were also observed in the seminal vesicle, prostate and penile urethra, especially in adult period. Finally, the presence of mRNA transcripts detected by RT PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) assays to testis and epididymis was confirmed from neonates to the elderly, being also present in vas deferens from puberty. The approach of postnatal development revealed a peak with the highest expression of albumin in the adult period beginning to decline at elderly. As a final caveat, the presence of mRNA confirmed for organs of the male reproductive tract does not invalidate the hypothesis of the also presence of circulating albumin in reproductive tissue, which must be synthesized at first instance, by liver cells / Mestrado / Biologia Tecidual / Mestra em Biologia Celular e Estrutural

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The vervet monkey, Chlorocebus aethiops, an Old World monkey, has been often used in biomedical research programs (toxicological studies and fertility) because of the inaccessibility of relevant human tissues. Data from nonhuman primates have been a vital component of advances in areas such as infertility, contraception, and other reproductive processes because of the phylogenetic closeness of the primates to humans. The aims and objectives of the study were 1) to describe the gross morphology, histology and ultrastructure of the male reproductive system, 2) to describe and compare the processes of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis of the vervet monkey to humans and other nonhuman primates, and 3) to evaluate the vervet monkey as a possible experimental model for future human reproductive studies. Twenty-nine adult male vervet monkeys, aged between 5 and 11 years, were used. Gross morphological features of different organs of the reproductive tract were recorded. Light and electron microscopic techniques, and methacrylate sections were used on selected tissues of the reproductive tract. The results showed that the vervet monkey has a male reproductive system similar to many non-human primates studied and man. The epididymis was distinctively subdivided into the caput, corpus, and the caudal regions. No significant differences were observed on the epithelial height of these three regions. Four cell types, apical, principal, and basal cells, and the intraepithelial lymphocytes were observed. The basal cell distribution showed significant differences among three regions of the epididymis (P ≤ 0.01). There were numerous phagocytic vesicles found in three regions of the epididymis. The Sertoli cells showed perforated sleeve-like processes which encased elongated and mature spermatids ready for spermiation. The nuclei of the Sertoli cells were found to be multilobed (4 to 5) compared to the less lobular nuclei of the human Sertoli cells (2 to 3). The Leydig cells showed typical features of steroidogenic cells with abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum, numerous large mitochondria, and few rough endoplasmic reticulum. It was concluded that the gross morphology and structure of the reproductive tract of the vervet monkey has many similarities to humans and other mammals. Secondly, the organization of spermatogenesis is similar to that found in humans, and is commonly known as a helical arrangement. The results further suggest that the vervet monkey could be regarded as suitable model for human male reproductive studies

1 AbstractAbstractAbstractAbstract Proteins secreted in the male reproductive tract play a key role in post-testicular development of sperm and in further steps needed for fertilization. Sperm maturation represents a key step in the reproduction process. Sperm, during the passage through the epididymis undergoes significant changes due to proteolytic and glycolytic activities in the epididymal fluid. Inhibitor of acrosin protects spermatozoa and reproductive epithelium against proteolytic degradation and also protects binding sites for ZP on sperm plasma membrane. In boar reproductive system acrosin inhibitor (AI) was found in seminal plasma and on sperm plasma membrane. Polyclonal antibody recognized AI in extracts of the cauda epididymidis, seminal vesicles, prostate, and Cowper's glands. Using immunofluorescence method has revealed the AI in the epithelium and lumen of these organs but also on the surface of epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa. We registered the increasing signal of AI from caput to cauda epididymis. Gene expression of AI mRNA was detected in the epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, and Cowper's glands and increased gradually throughout the epididymal duct. In present study, we also monitored AI in boar epididymal fluid and spermatozoa along the organ. In the epididymis, AI may...

Master of Science / Department of Anatomy and Physiology / Bruce D. Schultz / Epithelial cells lining the vas deferens modify the luminal contents to which sperm are exposed in response to neuroendocrine, autocrine and lumicrine transmitters. The role and identity of vas deferens epithelial potassium channels that provide the correct luminal environment for sperm maturation and delivery have not yet been determined. Cultures of vas deferens epithelial cells isolated from adult pigs were employed to investigate contributions of selected ion channels to net flux. A two-pore potassium channel, TASK-2, was identified on the apical membrane of cultured primary porcine vas deferens epithelial cells (1°PVD). Bupivacaine, a known TASK-2 inhibitor, when added to the apical bathing solution, inhibited forskolin- stimulated short circuit current, Isc, in a concentration dependent manner with a maximum inhibition of 72 ± 6% and an IC50 of 7.4 ± 2.2 µM. Apical exposure of 1°PVD cells to quinidine, lidocaine, and clofilium (other known TASK-2 blockers) inhibited forskolin-stimulated Isc in a concentration dependent manner. Fitting a modified Michalis-Menten function to the data revealed IC50 values of 274 µM, 531 µM, and 925 µM, respectively. Riluzole, a two-pore potassium channel activator, stimulated bupivacaine-sensitive Isc, further confirming the contribution of TASK-2 to net ion flux. Western blotting demonstrated the presence of TASK-2 immunoreactivity in 1°PVD cell lysates, while immunocytochemistry demonstrated apical localization of the targeted epitope in virtually all cells lining native porcine vas deferens. These results suggest that TASK-2 likely plays a role in vas deferens epithelial ion transport that may account for the reportedly high concentration of potassium in the male reproductive duct lumen. TASK-2 likely contributes to male fertility as an integral member of the regulated transport processes that account for the luminal environment to which sperm are exposed.