Isolation technique and identification of epithelial cells from efferent ductules of the rat epididymis.

A method has been developed for isolation of cells from the efferent ductules of the rat epididymis to obtain a population of epithelial cells. The technique depends on a transfer of segments of the ductules into a new isolation medium and gradual purification from fat cells, fibroblasts, collagen fibres and smooth muscle cells. Segments of the ductules so isolated were further separated into single cells or their aggregates. The mode of isolation applied allowed to obtain morphologically unchanged and functionally fully efficient cells. When transferred to culture they rapidly formed a single layer and further developed into a multi-layer culture. The cells divide and preserve their ability of producing secretion. They react to the absence of androgenous hormones by a considerable depression of the number of mitotic divisions and reduction of their secretion.