Effects of cyproterone acetate on the ultrastructure of the human epididymis

Summary. The effects of cyproterone acetate (CPA), an antiandrogenic steroid, on the ultrastructure of the epithelial cells of the human epididymis were studied. Alterations in the cell size, in the cytoplasmic and surface characteristics, and in the morphology of different organelles are described.
The different ultrastructural changes observed suggest that the absorptive and secretory functions of the principal cells are impaired following the CPA treatment. By contrast, with the drastic response of the principal cells of the ductuli efferentes and caput epididymidis, the epithelial cells of the cauda epididymidis appeared less affected. The suggestion of a differential androgen dependence among the different regions of this androgen target organ, as well as between the major cell-types of the epididymal epithelium, is briefly discussed.     

Leiomyoma of the epididymis

Tumours of the epididymis, both primary and secondary, whether benign or malignant are very rare. We report a case of leiomyoma of the epididymis and discuss the treatment of this tumour. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The apical mitochondria-rich cells of the mammalian epididymis

Summary.  The morphology and function of the apical mitochondria-rich cells in the mammalian ductus epididymidis epithelium are revised. These cells are similar in all mammalian species studied. Apical mitochondria-rich cells are scarce (1–5 cells/100 principal cells) and are mainly found in the initial epididymal segments. Their morphology varies from slender cells that extend from the basal lamina to the epididymal lumen, to round cells that protrude into the lumen and are not in contact with the basal lamina. Their cytoplasm is more electron-dense than that of principal cells and contains more mitochondria which, in some species, are surrounded by rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. The adluminal cytoplasm displays a few short microvilli and contains many acid phosphatase positive vesicles. Apical mitochondria-rich cells differ from the principal cells in some histochemical features such as: (a) different lectin-staining pattern; (b) more intense reaction to the enzymatic activities: carbonic anhydrase, Ca²⁺-ATPase, peanut-agglutinin-sialidase, NADP dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, α-galactosidase and β-galactosidase; (c) more intense immunoreaction to several cytokeratin types and to estradiol-related receptor protein; (d) weaker immunoreaction to epithelial membrane antigen and to retinol-binding protein. Although the function of the apical mitochondria-rich cells is still unknown, the following possible functions have been suggested: holocrine secretion; cooperation with the principal cells in epididymal reabsorption of testicular fluid; and acidification of epididymal fluid. Experimental results suggest that differentiation and maintenance of apical mitochondria-rich cells are not under androgen control and that these cells are sensitive to estrogen stimulation.     

Torsion of the epididymis

Anomalies of the epididymis are most commonly associated with an undescended testis but also found occasionally in a normally descended testis. Our 11-year-old patient presented with an acute scrotum and Doppler ultrasound that suggested epididymitis. Painful symptoms required scrotal exploration with the finding of a torsion and infarction of the epididymis. The etiology of the torsion was an abnormal attachment of the epididymis to the testis. Torsion of the epididymis has not previously been reported.     

Primary adenocarcinoma of the epididymis: Case report

Primary epididymal malignancies are uncommon and usually benign. Benign paratesticular tumors are most commonly adenomatoid, while the most common malignant paratesticular tumors are rhabdomyosarcomas. Approximately 25% of all epididymal tumors are malignant, and of the benign tumors, 60% to 78% are adenomatoid tumors. According to a recent MEDLINE search using epididymis and adenocarcinoma as key words, reports of a primary epididymal adenocarcinoma are extremely rare with only 23 cases in the literature. We report a case of epididymal adenocarcinoma with clinical follow up and metastatic natural history of this rare malignancy. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The ultrastructure of oligodendrogliomas

Summary Seven Oligodendrogliomas (2 with uniform cell type, 4 with cellular or tissue variability, and 1 with glioblastomatous changes) were examined ultrastructurally. The tumor cells were of two principal types with morphologic transitions between the two main types. The two principal cell types were identified as type 1 (undifferentiated) and type 2 (differentiated) on the basis of the number of anaplastic cells in an individual tumor and on the observations of Mori and Leblond (21) on non-neoplastic oligodendrocytes. Most of the tumor cells in all tumors exhibited similar histologic and ultrastructural characteristics including their arrangement and their tendency to form cytoplasmic processes which sometimes formed short stacks. These features were also recognizable in the glioblastomatous example and confirmed the presence of an oligodendroglial component.In addition to these characteristics, an increase in size and number of mitochondria, abundant intracytoplasmic structures, microtubules were regularly present in virtually all tumor cells. Cells rich in cytoplasmic filaments were present. These were identified as reactive astrocytes or as oligodendroglial tumor cells.Thus neither cytoplasmic filaments nor microtubules appear to be specific morphological markers for oligodendroglia or astrocytes; only the predominance of one of these structures permits cytogenetic identifications.The cytologic characteristics are not specific morphologic markers; however, recognition of their presence provides important diagnostic information.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. K. J. Zülch on occasion of his 70th birthday.     

腺苷脱氨酶在人睾丸及附睾的分布

应用本实验室前期制备的特异性的抗人精子膜结合腺苷脱氨酶（ＡＤＡ）同功酶的单克隆抗体（ＭｃＡｂ）和免疫组化技术，我们分析了该同功酶在正常人睾丸和附睾中的分布。实验结果显示：（１）ＡＤＡ在正常人睾丸中无分布，而在附睾头部，附睾管腔上皮细胞中开始分布；（２）ＡＤＡ在正常人附睾管腔上皮细胞中的分布，由附睾头部至尾部，其密度递增。这一研究结果提示：（１）ＡＤＡ分布具有附睾特异性；（２）人精子膜结合ＡＤＡ可能来自附睾管腔上皮细胞。     

右附睾髓外浆细胞瘤一例报告

髓外浆细胞瘤是一种起源于骨髓以外组织的局限性浆细胞肿瘤,发生于附睾十分少见,本文回顾性分析1例右附睾髓外浆细胞瘤患者的病例资料,旨在提高泌尿外科医生和病理科医生对本病的认识,避免误诊误治。     

腺苷脱氨酶在大鼠睾丸,附睾中的分布

利用本实验室前期制备和鉴定了的抗人精子膜结合脱氨酶单克隆抗体和ＡＢＣ组分技术，我们分析了正常性成熟和性未成熟大鼠睾丸及附睾中的该酶分布情况。实验结果显示：（１）ＡＤＡ在正常性成熟和性未成熟大鼠睾丸和附睾中无分布；在性成熟大鼠中，ＡＤＡ的分布从际睾头部开始出现；（２）ＡＤＡ在正常性成熟大鼠附睾中的分布由附睾头部至尾部其密度未发现变化。     

低氧对大鼠附睾功能的影响

目的研究低氧对大鼠附睾功能的影响。方法将成年雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为常氧和低氧5d、15d、30d4组。低氧各组置低压舱内模拟5,000m高原低氧。测定附睾尾精子数量、质量,生化法测定各组大鼠附睾液中果糖、肉毒碱的含量及α-葡萄糖苷酶的活性。结果低氧15d组、30d组大鼠附睾尾精子数显著低于常氧组。低氧各组精子活力、活率显著低于常氧组;尾部畸形精子数显著高于常氧组。低氧5d组、15d组大鼠附睾液果糖含量显著高于常氧组(P<0.01)。低氧5d、30d组,大鼠附睾液中性α-葡萄糖苷酶活性显著低于常氧组。结论低氧可抑制附睾尾精子数量和质量,并抑制附睾液中性α-葡萄糖苷酶活性,提示低氧可干扰附睾功能,并抑制精子的成熟。     

The ultrastructure of experimental arthrosis in dogs

Summary Experimental arthrosis was induced in previously healthy joints in a group of dogs by injection of fluid aspirated from another joint of the same animal previously damaged by trauma under sterile conditions.Using electron microscopy progressive degenerative changes were observed at the surface of the joint, in the extracellular matrix, in the chondrocytes and in the pericellular band. The changes increased following serial injections of the joint fluid.In another series, the joints were injected either with the centrifuged concentrate or the supernatant fluid and a comparison made of the contrasting effects upon the cellular and extracellular structures.

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Résumé Les auteurs ont réalisé une arthrose expérimentale chez le chien en injectant dans une articulation le liquide obtenu par ponction d'une autre articulation du même animal, dont le cartilage a été préalablement scarifié de façon aseptique.L'examen des surfaces articulaires en microscopie électronique montre des altérations dégénératives progressives au niveau de la matrice extra-cellulaire, des chondrocytes et de la membrane péri-cellulaire. Ces modifications augmentent après des injections répétées de liquide synovial.Dans une autre série d'animaux, on a injecté soit le culot de centrifugation, soit le surnageant et on a comparé les effets obtenus vis-à-vis des structures cellulaires et extra-cellulaires.

     

Histology of the epididymis in men with obstructive infertility

The histology of different regions of human epididymis in men undergoing vasoepididymostomy to correct epididymal obstruction was studied. The data indicate major degenerative changes in intertubular connective tissue and in the epididymal epithelium. These include increase in connective tissue thickness and its infiltration by leucocytes in some cases, decrease in tubular diameter, degeneration and/or vacuolation of cytoplasm of nonciliated cells of efferent duct and principal cells of epididymis and presence of multinucleate giant cells in the epididymal lumen. These histological abnormalities are discussed in relation to the role such epididymis can play in sperm maturation following vasoepididymostomy.     

Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma of the epididymis in a man with recurrent haematospermia

We present a case of well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma of the epididymis occurring in a 60-year-old man who came to urologic consult after recurrent episodes of haematospermia. The patient denied pain, fever and trauma in genitals. Local examination revealed indolent swelling at the right testicle and ecography localised a well-circumscribed nodule at the epididymis tail, measuring 2 cm in greater diameter, with associated haemorrhagic hydrocele. A nodulectomy was performed and the patient is alive with no evidence of disease 17 months following surgery.     

Adenomatoid tumors of testis and epididymis: A report of two cases

Adenomatoid tumors are rare benign tumors of female and male genital tracts. In this paper, we reported an epididymal and a testicular adenomatoid tumor in two patients presented with enlarged intrascrotal mass. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Morphological and enzymatic study of membrane-bound vesicles from the lumen of the rat epididymis

Summary.  The epithelium of caput and cauda epididymidis of the rat was studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and freeze-fracture techniques. In thin sections of both zones, the tissue consisted mainly of tall columnar cells (principal cells) with long stereocilia. Clusters of small membrane-bound vesicles were located in the lumen between or immediately over the stereocilia. Freeze-fracture replicas also displayed groups of smooth-surface vesicles in the same location. Membrane-bound vesicles isolated from the lumen of the rat epididymis were studied by TEM. In thin sections, some of them contained an electron dense material and others looked empty. In addition, the hydrolases: β-galactosidase, N-acetyl-glycosaminidase, α-mannosidase, aryl-sulfatase and β-glucuronidase were detectable in pellets of vesicles treated with Triton X-100. The results presented here indicate the presence of membrane-bound vesicles observed by two different methodologies in the rat epididymal fluid and demonstrate five glycosidases in their content.     

膀胱白斑的超微病理学研究

目的 探讨膀胱白斑的超微病理变化及其临床意义，为临床诊断治疗提供可靠依据。方法 取52例膀胱白斑病灶组织，在电子显微镜下观察其超微病理学改变。同时取病灶旁正常膀胱黏膜12例作对照。结果 膀胱白斑组织电子显微镜下改变显著，表面由多层鳞状上皮细胞组成，胞核较幼稚，核仁明显，胞浆内张力原纤维丰富，36例上皮细胞胞浆内可见糖原储积，14例糖原颗粒散在分布。上皮细胞之间的间隙较宽，细胞表面均有丰富的指状突起。相邻细胞以指状突起相连，连接部位可见桥粒结构。上皮基底部形成乳头状结构。结论 电子显微镜检可更加清晰的显示膀胱白斑的超微病理变化，且可提示病变程度、发病趋势、细胞增殖活跃程度等。是膀胱白斑的重要诊断依据。     

Obstructive infertility: changes in the histology of different regions of the epididymis and morphology of spermatozoa

In the present study, the effects of prolonged obstruction in different regions of the human epididymis on its histology and on the spermatozoa retained at the site of obstruction were assessed. Men who were confirmed of having obstruction of the epididymis underwent vasoepididymostomy (VEA) for surgical correction of the obstruction. At the time of surgery, fluid from the epididymal tubule above the site of obstruction was aspirated and examined for sperm profile. Epididymal tissue, collected at the site of obstruction, was processed for assessment of histological changes and also used to identify the site of obstruction. Prolonged obstruction of the epididymis has caused degeneration of the epididymal epithelium, gradual decrease in the diameter of the tubule and tubular lumen and increase in the intertubular connective tissue. Sperm aspirated from the caput epididymal fluid showed sluggish pattern of motility only in one out of the six subjects, whereas spermatozoa collected from the cauda epididymal fluid showed rapid linear progressive motility in one of three subjects. A major percentage of spermatozoa in the aspirated fluid showed various types of morphological abnormalities, irrespective of the site of obstruction. These results are discussed in relation to the role of the epididymis in investing spermatozoa with motility and fertilizing capacity.     

Blueberries prevent the effect of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia in rat epididymis

Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) induced a decrease in sperm count and oxidative damage in epididymis. We have previously demonstrated that a blueberry‐enriched polyphenol extract (BB‐4) reduced the adverse effects of oxidative stress in rat testis under hypobaric hypoxia. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether BB‐4 could reverse oxidative stress in epididymis. To evaluate the protective role of BB‐4 in epididymis, male rats were exposed to IHH. Lipid peroxidation, (LPO) expression and activity of glutathione reductase (GR) were evaluated. Our results showed a reduction in LPO and a decrease in GR activity in rat epididymis exposed to IHH. These results suggest that BB‐4 can prevent the effects of IHH in rat epididymis.     

Effect of flutamide on the physiological status of epididymis and epididymal sperms

Flutamide, a pure antiandrogen, increases the levels of plasma luteinizing hormone but antagonizes the biological expression of androgen on target organs. Flutamide was administered to rats to study the effect of altered availability of hormones on the functional status of epididymis. The weights of ventral prostate, seminal vesicles and epididymis showed antiandrogenic effects of flutamide. However, increased activity of kidney beta-glucuronidase reflected increased availability of testosterone. The concentrations of protein and DNA along with the activities of acid phosphatase and hyaluronidase decreased in flutamide-treated rats. The activities of acid phosphatase and hyaluronidase in epididymal sperms along with protein concentration increased in flutamide-treated rats. Alteration of epididymal function by treatments affecting lysosomal stability was indicated.