AI Article Synopsis
- The study examined the changes in the epididymis and sperm accumulation in vasectomized rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).
- The increase in spermatozoa led to a larger tubule diameter and revealed that principal cells maintained their secretory and absorptive functions post-vasectomy.
- Notable features included enhanced organelles in principal cells, increased apocrine secretion, and macrophages present in the lumen indicating that sperm disposal primarily occurred through endocytosis by these immune cells.
Article Abstract
Ultrastructural changes in the epididymal epithelium and the fate of accumulating spermatozoa were examined in the vasectomized rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). Accumulation of spermatozoa resulted in an increase in the diameter of the tubule and its lumen. Ultrastructure of principal cells revealed that they continue to perform both secretory and absorptive functions after vasectomy. The rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, and mitochondria were well developed in the principal cell. Bulging of the apical portion of principal cells and membrane-bound structures in the lumen suggests an increase in apocrine secretion. An increase in the number of vesicles, vacuoles, and multivesicular bodies in the principal cells indicates an increased absorptive activity. Increased absorptive function was also evident in the apical cells. Macrophages with sperm remnants were seen in the lumen, and occasionally in the connective tissue. The principal or only mechanism of sperm disposal after vasectomy appeared to be intraluminal endocytosis by macrophages.
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