Early effects of efferent ductule ligation on the proximal segment of the rat epididymis.

The effects on the proximal caput epididymidis of efferent ductule ligation were studied. After 6 h there was a slight increase in autophagocytosis in the initial segment proper (1A). After 12 h this segment showed cell death and cytoplasmic regression and after 24 h large amounts of necrotic cells and focal degeneration in the epithelium, and desquamated cells and débris in the lumen.