Regional differences in the morphology of the goat epididymis: A light microscopic and ultrastructural study

The goat epididymis, based on morphological differences, was divided into five regions; regions I and II, and the proximal part of region III constituted the head; the distal part of region III and region IV, the body; and region V, the tail. The epithelium of all regions contained principal and basal epithelial cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes and macrophages. In addition, regions II to IV also contained a few apical cells. Clear cells were absent. The epithelium varied in height from the tallest in region I (88 ± 33 μm) to the shortest in region V (38 ± 5 μm). Conversely, the luminal diameter, thickness of smooth muscle wall, and luminal sperm concentration were highest in region V. The irregular epithelial height of regions I and IV accounted for a stellate lumen in contrast to the oval lumen of the other regions. Whereas the lumen of region I contained only a few sperm, those of regions II, III, and IV were filled with sperm. Principal cells were the only cell type that showed striking cytological differences between regions. While they contained absorptive features (canaliculi, pinocytotic and coated vesicles, and subapical vacuoles) in all regions, the principal cells of region II were filled with large, heterogeneous vacuoles (up to 5 μm in diameter), suggesting that they may be preferentially involved in transporting and digesting particulate material. Besides absorptive features, principal cells of all regions contained morphological correlates of protein synthesis such as highly developed Golgi complexes in the supranuclear area and numerous cisternae of RER near the Golgi body and in the infranuclear cytoplasm. The cisternae of RER were more developed in region IV, and in some instances, they were distended with flocculent material resembling newly synthesized protein. Unlike the protein synthesizing organelles, principal cells of all regions lacked morphological correlates of steroid hormone synthesis. These results are compared with previously published data on the regional differences in the epididymis of other species, especially with those of the rat and the bull, in an effort to understand the significance of the epididymis in sperm maturation.     

Permeability of the diaphragmatic mesothelium: The ultrastructural basis for “stomata”

The ultrastructure of the hamster efferent ducts and epididymis was studied and the results were correlated with previously published data on the composition of luminal fluid obtained by micropuncture. Samples of the efferent ducts and parts of the epididymis designated initial segment, caput, corpus, proximal cauda, distal cauda, and “epididymal vas” were prepared. The efferent ducts contained principal cells characterized by a profusion of apical vesicles and numerous very large vacuoles that were distributed throughout the cytoplasm. Ciliated cells had few vesicles and vacuoles. Occasional cells contained many particles resembling glycogen. In the epididymis, the following trends were observed. The height of the epithelium and the size of the principal cells declined from initial segment to distal cauda. Apical vesicles and vacuoles with a light content were extremely numerous in principal cells of the initial segment and decreased progressively in the more distal regions. In the initial segment, basal and perinuclear rough endoplasmic reticulum was abundant and was distended with a material that resembled newly synthesized protein. Further distally in the epididymis cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum were narrow and contained little intracisternal material. Light cells containing many vesicles, vacuoles, and lysosome-like structures were very prominent in the caudal segments. The epithelium of the epididymal vas had features intermediate between cauda epididymidis and ductus deferens. The cytoplasmic droplet in luminal sperm began to migrate caudally between the caput and corpus epididymidis and reached the posterior extremity of the middle piece in the distal cauda. Some degenerating sperm were observed in the lumen of the distal segments of the epididymis. The abundance of cytoplasmic vesicles and vacuoles in principal cells of the efferent ducts and initial segment of the epididymis correlated with the site of greatest fluid absorption as determined by micropuncture studies, suggesting that these structures are involved in absorption of fluid from the lumen. Between the caput and distal cauda epididymal segments, where absorption of sodium and potassium but not of fluid occurred, there were few vesicles and vacuoles in principal cells, but the “light” cells were large and numerous and contained many vacuoles. The principal cells of the initial segment were best equipped with rough endoplasmic reticulum to synthesize a protein.     

Morphology of the epithelium of the extratesticular rete testis,ductuli efferentes and ductus epididymidis of the adult male rabbit

The fine structure of the epithelium lining the extratesticular rete testis, ductuli efferentes and ductus epididymidis of the rabbit has been investigated. In the ductuli efferentes the epithelium is composed of two cell types, principal cells and ciliated cells. The latter cell type is distinguished from principal cells by the presence of cilia projecting into the lumen and the position of the nucleus in the apical half of the cell. Principal cells in this segment are characterized by micropinocytotic vesicles on the surface plasma membrane and a variety of small dense bodies scattered throughout the cytoplasm. In the ductus epididymidis basal cells replace ciliated cells as the second cell type, but differences between various segments of the epididymis are related to the fine structure of the principal cells. In the proximal caput epididymidis (Nicander's region 1) the principal cells are tall with long microvilli. They typically contain a small Golgi apparatus and a cluster of dense bodies adjacent to the nucleus. In the distal caput epididymidis (Nicander's regions 2–5) the apical cytoplasm of principal cells is filled with numerous micropinocytotic vesicles and large multivesicular bodies; these features are interpreted as signs of absorptive activity. The multivesicular bodies are absent from the cytoplasm of principal cells in the corpus epididymidis (Nicander's region 6) and, instead, numerous elements of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, a large Golgi apparatus, lipid droplets and dense bodies characterize principal cells in this segment. Towards the proximal cauda epididymidis (Nicander's region 7), the number of dense bodies (lysosomes) in the cytoplasm increases considerably. In the globose cauda (Nicander's region 8), the principal cells are reduced in height, and in addition to the features described in region 7, are characterized by a concentric array of rough endoplasmic reticulum in the basal cytoplasm. These observations are discussed in relation to the role of the epididymis in promoting the maturation and survival of spermatozoa.     

Studies of the guinea pig epididymis. I. Ultrastructure and quantitative morphology of the principal cells

The guinea pig epididymis is subdivided into seven zones. The ultrastructure and morphology of the principal cells in these zones is analyzed. The position, shape and content of the nuclei are variable along the length of the epididymal duct. Features characteristic of absorptive activity, such as micropinocytotic caveolae, vacuoles, and multivesicular bodies are of high concentration in zone IV and VI. The Golgi apparatus, rough endoplasmic reticulum and secretion granules are organelles and inclusions implicated to secretory functions and in this study are not found in the following concurring amounts within the principal cells of the seven zones: the Golgi apparatus exhibits a trend of increase from zone II to zone VII while the rough endoplasmic reticulum decreases. Secretion granules, though, are detected only in zones II and III, not only in the supra-, but also in the peri- and infranuclear regions. This possibly implies an exocrine secretory function. Lamellar whorls and profiles of tubular smooth endoplasmic reticulum are concentrated in the supranuclear and adluminal regions of zones I, II and VI. A high concentration of large lipid droplets is a consistent feature of the perinuclear region of zone II. Mitochondria and lysosomes are detected in relatively large amounts along the epididymal duct. The correlations of these morphological characteristics with respect to their possible functional role are discussed.     

Structure of taste buds in foliate papillae of the rhesus monkey,Macaca mulatta

Taste buds in foliate papillae of the rhesus monkey were examined by electron microscopy. Three distinct cell types were identified. Type I cells were narrow elongated cells containing an oval nucleus, bundles of intermediate filaments, several Golgi bodies, and characteristic apical membrane-bounded dense granules. These cells exhibited morphological variations: some had a moderately dense cytoplasm, perinuclear free ribosomes, and flattened sacs of rough endoplasmic reticulum; others had a more lucent cytoplasm, dilated irregular rough endoplasmic reticulum, lysosome-like dense bodies, and lipid droplets. Type II cells typically contained a spherical, pale nucleus, a prominent nucleolus, supranuclear and infranuclear Golgi bodies, mitochondria with tubular cristae, and one or two centrioles. This cell type, too, showed some variation in the relative amounts of ribosomes and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which varied inversely with each other. Type III cells were characterized by a clear apical cytoplasm essentially devoid of ribosomes and containing microtubules. In a few type III cells, the peri- and infranuclear regions contained many ribosomes and some rough endoplasmic reticulum. In most Type III cells, there were large numbers of dense and clear vesicles in the peri- and infranuclear regions; some of the vesicles were grouped in synapse-like arrangements with adjacent nerves. The morphological variations exhibited by all three cell types could be accounted for by age differences in each of the cells. This would be consistent with the notion that cell renewal occurs in each of the three cell populations.     

Fine structure of the monkey epididymis

The monkey epididymis was subdivided into four regions: initial segment (continous with the ductuli efferentes), head, body and tail. The initial segment possesses a very tall columnar epithelium (108 ± 4 μm). Epithelial height in the head, body and tail is diminished to 81 ± 5 μm, 69 ± 2 μm, and 50 ± 5 μm, respectively. The pseudostratified epithelium is composed of four main cell types: principal, apical and basal epithelial cells, and intraepithelial lymphocytes. Occasional macrophages are also found in the epithelium. The tall, narrow, columnar principal cells demonstrate morphological features characteristic of absorption and secretion. An unusual feature, apparently unique to the primate, is the presence of deep invaginations of the apical cytoplasm which contain membrane-bounded vacuoles. Similar, but larger vacuoles are present among the stereocilia and in the tubular lumen. Large clusters of mitochondria and electron-dense membrane-bounded granules characterize the infranuclear region of the cytoplasm. Principal cells are studded with closely aligned stereocilia. Their nuclei are spindle-shaped in the initial segment and first portion of the head region, but become highly infolded in the distal head, body and tail portions. The apical or mitochondrion-rich cells possess a cytoplasm which extends from the base of the epithelium to the tubular lumen. Basal cells contain few organelles and are found throughout the length of the duct. Arterioles and capillaries appear to penetrate directly into the epithelium from the underlying connective tissue; however, the basal lamina of the epididymal duct always intervenes between the endothelium of the blood vessels and the epithelial cells. Several of the above observations have not been noted in rodents and other mammalian species and may be unique to the primate.     

Studies on zonation in the epididymis of the guinea pig. I. Ultrastructural and biochemical analysis of the zone rich in large lipid droplets (zone II)

In the epididymis of the guinea pig, zone II exhibits striking histological features that distinguish it readily from the other six regions of the epididymis. At the light microscope level, the pseudostratified epithelium of zone II is characterized by tall principal cells that are densely packed with large, intensely staining granules or droplets ranging up to 8μ in diameter. At the electron microscope level, the principal cells exhibit numerous large lipid droplets and abundant agranular endoplasmic reticulum, which is frequently arranged in concentric whorls around one or more of the droplets. Quantitative biochemical studies comparing zone II with zones I and III show that zone II contains 2.5–3-fold more cholesterol and a significantly greater amount of cholesterol ester than the other two zones. These data indicate that the epididymal duct of the guinea pig includes a clearly defined region of epithelial cells possessing ultrastructural and biochemical characteristics consistent with steroidogenic activity. The potential significance of these observations to the epididymal physiology of the guinea pig and epididymal physiology in general is discussed.     

Fine structure of the venom gland epithelium of the south american rattlesnake and radioautographic studies of protein formation by the secretory cells

The South American rattlesnake venom gland is made up of secretory tubules lined by a simple columnar epithelium containing horizontal cells, mitochondria-rich cells, and the principal cell type, the columnar secretory cells. This cell has a round basal nucleus and abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, the cisternae of which are variably distended with flocculent material containing many dense intracisternal granules. The supranuclear Golgi apparatus is spherical, with stacks of flattened saccules at the periphery and large vacuoles containing masses of dense material, and other dense granules in the center. Similar but smaller granules are present at the apex where they fuse with the microvillus-covered apical membrane and release their content into the lumen. Protein synthesis was studied in snakes injected with ³H-tyrosine and sacrificed at several times after injection. Radioautographs showed reactions at one half and one hour over the ribosomes and membranes of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. At two hours the immature face of the Golgi apparatus was labeled. At four hours Golgi saccules and vacuoles with dense masses (secretory granules) were labeled, and at eight hours the dense masses within the secretory granules were heavily labeled both in the Golgi region and in the apex near the lumen. Labeled material was found in the lumen at two days. Intracisternal granules were first labeled at eight hours, and by two days reactions remained only over the flocculent content and intracisternal granules of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Thus, venom protein was synthesized on the rough endoplasmic reticulum, migrated through the Golgi apparatus and accumulated in the dense masses of the secretory granules, which moved to the apex and were extruded. The labeling of intracisternal granules at eight hours and two days after injection indicated a storage nature for these granules.     

Possible microapocrine-type secretion developing in prostatic secretory epithelial cells of older rats in the early stage of castration

Secretory epithelial cells at 1 and 2 d after castration became higher than those of control as the result of convex protrusion of the apical cytoplasm into the acinar lumen, which was quickly followed by pinching off the small balloon-like cytoplasmic process developing on its surface. At the same time, the secretory vacuoles became more numerous, while the well-developed Golgi region, prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum and its dilated end facing the Golgi region remeined. On 7 and 14 d after castration, secretory epithelial cells became markedly low and they had very few secretory vacuoles, regressed Golgi region and a markedly reduced amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum. At 7 d after castration, marcrophage-like cells appeared among secretory epithelial cells and acinar basal lamina. These findings might suggest that the involutionary process of secretory epithelial cells was started by apical convex protrusion and accompanied by microapocrine secretion of its subsurface cytoplasm followed by phagocytosis of the remaining disintegrated cytoplasm by macrophage-like cells.     

Morphological and functional differentiation of the surface epithelium of the bursa Fabricii in chicken

Morphological and functional differentiation of the mucosal surface epithelium of the bursa Fabricii was studied in White Leghorn chicken fetuses and newly hatched chickens. First signs of differentiation towards two types of epithelial cells appeared on the thirteenth day of incubation: The apical cells of the epithelial buds projected towards the lumen, and an increase in the number of Golgi regions was observed in the epithelial cells between the buds. On day 15 the follicle-associated epithelium contained small apically situated vacuoles, and large mucin granules appeared in the interfollicular surface epithelium. Towards the day of hatching both epithelial cell types were arranged to a monolayered or pseudostratified cylindrical epithelium. The follicle-associated epithelium had invaginations and small vacuoles in the apical cytoplasm, whereas the interfollicular surface epithelium had numerous microvilli on its apical surface and large mucin granules in the apical cytoplasm. In functional studies, endocytosis of colloidal carbon was demonstrated in four out of ten 19-day-old fetuses and in all chickens studied immediately after hatching.     

Regional differences of the proximal part of mouse epididymis: morphological and histochemical characterization

Regional differences in the proximal part of mouse epididymis were reported to provide a morphological baseline for studies on functional zonation of this part that is critical in sperm maturation. Macroscopical, histological, ultrastructural, and histochemical observations permitted us to subdivide this part into five segments, characterized by epithelial height, nuclear position, cytological and histochemical features of principal cells. Segment I corresponded to the initial segment previously described in rodents. Segment II differed from segment I by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and dictyosomes aspect in principal cells, apical alkaline phosphatase and Ca2+-dependent ATPase activities. Segment III was characterized by spermatozoa package, high content of cells in multivesicular bodies, mitochondria shape, complex interdigitating membranes, and strong periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive cell border. Segments IV and V presented the same cytological features but differed by their esterase activity. In the principal cells of each segment, dense spherical concretions were scattered in ER caveolae. Cells with apical nuclei were classified into two groups. The cells of the first group presented the same morphological and histochemical features as the adjacent principal cells and were scattered in the five segments ("apical cells"). The cells of the second group differed from the others by their goblet shape, a dense cytoplasm, and a high mitochondria succinate-D activity. They presented different cytological and histochemical features depending on their localization in segments I ("narrow cells"), II ("prominent cells"), or III, IV, V ("mitochondria goblet-cells"). The possible relationships between epithelium structure and epididymal functions were herein discussed.     

Ultrastructure of the normal adult human female prostate gland (Skene’s gland)

The predominant cells of female prostatic glands lining their lumen were found to be tall cylindrical secretory cells with short stubby microvilli, protuberances of the apical cytoplasm, and with bleb formation. Abundant secretory vacuoles and granules, rough endoplasmic reticulum, developed Golgi complexes and numerous mitochondria are characteristic of their active secretory configuration with apocrine (apical blebs) and merocrine (secretory vacuoles and granules) type of secretion. Basal (reserve) cells were seen to be located between the secretory (luminal) cells and the basement membrane. Their ground cytoplasm is dense with rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Their nuclei, unlike those of secretory cells, possess more peripheral condensed chromatin, denser dispersed chromatin and sporadic nucleoli. Besides the two basic types of mature prostatic cells intermediary cells were also seen, located between the basal and secretory cells or in their close vicinity. Their cytoplasm exhibits numerous profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes. Secretory vacuoles and granules were mostly practically absent (type 1 intermediary cells) so that they resembled basal (reserve) cells. In some of them, however, as in secretory cells, such secretory elements do gradually appear (type 2 intermediary cells). The finding of intermediary cells in the lining of prostatic glands supports the role of basal (reserve) cells in the renewal of cells in glands of the female prostate. The first ultrastructural analysis of the normal female prostate performed by transmission electron microscopy showed that, as in the postpubertal male, the prostatic glands in the adult female display mature secretory and basal cells. The results of the presented study further corroborate the contemporary concept of the female prostate as a functional genitourinary organ.     

Ultrastructure of the normal adult human female prostate gland (Skene's gland)

The predominant cells of female prostatic glands lining their lumen were found to be tall cylindrical secretory cells with short stubby microvilli, protuberances of the apical cytoplasm, and with bleb formation. Abundant secretory vacuoles and granules, rough endoplasmic reticulum, developed Golgi complexes and numerous mitochondria are characteristic of their active secretory configuration with apocrine (apical blebs) and merocrine (secretory vacuoles and granules) type of secretion. Basal (reserve) cells were seen to be located between the secretory (luminal) cells and the basement membrane. Their ground cytoplasm is dense with rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Their nuclei, unlike those of secretory cells, possess more peripheral condensed chromatin, denser dispersed chromatin and sporadic nucleoli. Besides the two basic types of mature prostatic cells intermediary cells were also seen, located between the basal and secretory cells or in their close vicinity. Their cytoplasm exhibits numerous profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes. Secretory vacuoles and granules were mostly practically absent (type 1 intermediary cells) so that they resembled basal (reserve) cells. In some of them, however, as in secretory cells, such secretory elements do gradually appear (type 2 intermediary cells). The finding of intermediary cells in the lining of prostatic glands supports the role of basal (reserve) cells in the renewal of cells in glands of the female prostate. The first ultrastructural analysis of the normal female prostate performed by transmission electron microscopy showed that, as in the postpubertal male, the prostatic glands in the adult female display mature secretory and basal cells. The results of the presented study further corroborate the contemporary concept of the female prostate as a functional genitourinary organ.     

Secretory cells of the oviduct of the pig-tailed monkey,Macaca nemestrina,during the menstrual cycle and after estrogen treatment

The secretory cells of the oviductal epithelium in the pig-tailed monkey, Macaca nemestrina, have been studied by light and electron microscopy. Changes during the menstrual cycle and after ovariectomy, with and without subsequent estrogen treatment, have been documented. During the early follicular phase the epithelium is recovering from deciliation and secretory cell atrophy that occur in the late luteal phase. A few fimbrial and a moderate number of ampullar and isthmic cells contain a few electron-dense, homogeneous secretory granules in their apical cytoplasm. During the late preovulatory and early postovulatory periods, secretory cell structure varies considerably. Fimbrial cells typically display apical protrusions that contain no or a few small, mainly homogeneous, secretory granules. The cytoplasm is crowded with elements of the Golgi complex, with granular endoplasmic reticulum profiles often intimately associated with mitochondria, and with variable numbers of polysomes and glycogen granules. In ampullar and isthmic cells secretory granules are more abundant than in fimbrial cells, and electron-lucent vacuoles appear. The granules are of two types: (1) those having an electron-dense, homogeneous matrix, and (2) those possessing lamellar structures within moderately dense matrices. The lamellae of the second type course in parallel arrays separated by a distance of approximately 15.5 nm and exhibit a periodicity of approximately 11.3 nm. Possible transitional stages between the lamellar granules and the vacuoles containing lamellar fragments are observed. Secretion occurs by exocytosis. During the late luteal phase no fimbrial cells have secretory granules. In the ampulla many of the cells have poor development of the organelles involved in secretory activity and have few or no secretory granules. In others, a moderate number of secretory granules are present; in one animal, exocytosis is observed. In the untreated ovariectomized animal no secretory granules occur, and the organelle content is much less than in the cycling and the estrogen-treated monkeys. In ovariectomized, estradiol-treated monkeys, some areas of all three oviductal segments are well stimulated whereas others display little or no secretory activity.     

An ultrastructural study of lactation in the human breast

In this study the morphological features of lactation in the human breast were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The lactating lobules comprised large numbers of interconnecting acini which were lined by a single layer of epithelial cells with underlying myoepithelial cells. Marked variations were noted in the shape of the epithelial cells. The myoepithelial cells formed an open meshwork of interconnecting cytoplasmic processes packed with myofibrils. The basal cytoplasm of the epithelial cells was packed with rough endoplasmic reticulum while the apical cytoplasm contained a hypertrophic Golgi body, numerous vacuoles (a few of which contained casein micelles), a number of lipid droplets and small coated and uncoated vesicles. The lipid droplets were released by progressive protrusion from the apical surface. They remained covered by the plasmalemma and were finally budded off into the lumen. In certain cases a portion of cytoplasm was released with the lipid droplet. The vacuoles and small vesicles fused with the plasmalemma and released their contents by exocytosis. Within the samples the majority of epithelial cells were actively lactating although examples of undifferentiated "resting" and dead (lysed) cells were also identified.     

Short-term effects of androgen withdrawal on the structure of different epithelial cells in the rat epididymis

Rat spermatozoa are highly dependent on the milieu of the normal epididymis for their maturation and survival, and die within a few days after androgenic support of the epididymal epithelium is withdrawn. The immediate changes in the ultrastructural organization of the epithelial cells of the rat epididymis, 2, 4, 6 and 14 days following castration have been monitored by morphometric analysis of localized regions of the caput and cauda epididymidis. While castration results in greater endocytosis by principal cells (Moore and Bedford, '79), many of their early structural changes following androgen withdrawal (disappearance of vesicles from the cell apex, reduction in rough endoplasmic reticulum, a drop in the volume of the Golgi cisternae and increase in lysosome content) seem indicative of inhibition of a secretory function. By contrast with the regressive response of the principal cell, the ultrastructure of clear cells in the cauda and of apical cells in the caput region appeared unchanged up to 14 days after castration. The implications of this evidence for specialized functions, and the suggestion of a differential androgen dependence among major cell types of the epididymal epithelium, are discussed briefly.     

Short-term effects of androgen withdrawal on the structure of different epithelial cells in the rat epididymis.

Rat spermatozoa are highly dependent on the milieu of the normal epididymis for their maturation and survival, and die within a few days after androgenic support of the epididymal epithelium is withdrawn. The immediate changes in the ultrastructural organization of the epithelial cells of the rat epididymis, 2, 4, 6 and 14 days following castration have been monitored by morphometric analysis of localized regions of the caput and cauda epididymidis. While castration results in greater endocytosis by principal cells (Moore and Bedford, '79), many of their early structural changes following androgen withdrawal (disappearance of vesicles from the cell apex, reduction in rough endoplasmic reticulum, a drop in the volume of the Golgi cisternae and increase in lysosome content) seem indicative of inhibition of a secretory function. By contrast with the regressive response of the principal cell, the ultrastructure of clear cells in the cauda and of apical cells in the caput region appeared unchanged up to 14 days after castration. The implications of this evidence for specialized functions, and the suggestion of a differential androgen dependence among major cell types of the epididymal epithelium, are discussed briefly.     

Cadmium toxicity in the thyroid gland of pregnant rats

The toxic effects of cadmium on the thyroid gland of pregnant rats were studied with an electron microscope and an X-ray microanalyzer. Serum levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) were also analyzed. Deterioration of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum occurred in the thyroid follicular epithelium on the fifth day of cadmium treatment. Large intracellular vacuoles, which arose from dilated cisternae of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, were fused together, and marked swelling of the mitochondria was also noted. Thyroglobulin-secreting granules at the apical cytoplasm were decreased in number. By energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, cadmium peaks were preferentially obtained from swollen mitochondria in the follicular epithelial cells. Serum levels of T3 and T4 were significantly decreased in cadmium-treated rats dams when compared to those of controls. In the present experiment, cycloheximide also caused degenerative changes in the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and the disappearance of thyroglobulin-secreting granules. Cycloheximide is a known inhibitor of protein synthesis on cytosolic ribosomes. These results indicated that accumulated cadmium in the mitochondria of thyroid follicular epithelial cells might disturb the oxidative phosphorylation of this organelle and the loss of energy supply possibly caused the inhibition of the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones.     

The ultrastructure of the principal cells and intraepithelial leucocytes in the initial segment of the rat epididymis

The ultrastructure of the principal cells and intraepithelial leucocytes in the initial segment of the rat caput epididymidis was examined with the electron microscope. Specializations of the principal cells associated with absorption include numerous endocytic invaginations of the cell surface, numerous coated vesicles and multivesicular bodies in the apical cytoplasm. It was demonstrated that particulate tracers are taken into the cells and sequestered in secondary lysosomes and multivesicular bodies. Morphological features consistent with secretory activity are also found in the principal cells and include numerous cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum with a flocculent grey content and an extremely well-developed Golgi apparatus. The speculation that the principal cells are actively secretory despite the absence of secretory granules formed in the Golgi and of a visible mechanism for release of the product at the cell surface is discussed. The “halo cells” in the epididymal epithelium were also examined and it is shown that many of these cells are not typical migratory lymphocytes. Chief among the differences are their granule-containing multivesicular bodies and more abundant endoplasmic reticulum. Nonetheless, it is conceivable that the halo cells are lymphocytes and that the conditions they encounter as they leave the circulation and enter the epididymal epithelium may stimulate morphological changes. The possible immunological significance of these observations is discussed.     

Fine structure and cytochemical analysis of the intestinal wall along the body of adult female of Litomosoides chagasfilhoi (Nematoda: Filarioidea)

Litomosoides chagasfilhoi is a filariid nematode parasite of the abdominal cavity of the wild rodent Akodon cursor (Winge, 1887), that has been described and used in Brazil as a new model for human filariasis. The fine structure of the intestine of this nematode was analyzed based on observations made by light and transmission electron microscopies of serial sections along the body. Cytochemical analysis was carried out to investigate the composition of the intestinal wall. This structure consisted of a basal lamina and an epithelium of variable thickness, composed of cells that have an irregular shape. The cytoplasm of intestinal cells contains few organelles: vacuoles, lysosomal bodies, spheroid bodies, endoplasmic reticulum, and many large lipid droplets. In the anterior portion of the intestine, the lysosomal bodies, spheroid bodies, and vacuoles presented positive reaction for acid phosphatase, and carbohydrates were detected in lysosomal bodies. The midbody and posterior regions presented less organelles and lipid droplets, and nuclei were more abundant. Residues of l-fucose were detected by Ulex europaeus lectin binding in the midbody sections. Basic proteins were associated to lipid droplets, in the posterior region. In the whole extension of the intestine, carbohydrates were detected on tight junctions. These results indicate that the metabolized material in the epithelium can contribute to the microfilariae development and also probably can be involved with the excretory/secretory mechanism of these nematodes.