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Cell and tissue research1977; 184(4); 487-490; doi: 10.1007/BF00220971

Ultrastructural observations suggesting merocrine secretion in the initial segment of the mammalian epididymis.

Abstract: Principal cells in the initial segment of the epididymis in horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, dogs, cats, and rabbits have an abundant, partly rough, endoplasmic reticulum and a large Golgi complex. Small vacuoles with opaque content seem to be formed by the Golgi complex and move to the cell apex, where they empty their contents into the lumen by a merocrine mechanism.
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Publication Date: 1977-11-23 PubMed ID: 589656DOI: 10.1007/BF00220971Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article delves into the examination of principal cells in the initial segment of the epididymis in several mammals, observing the presence of merocrine secretion.

Understanding the principal cells

  • The researchers studied the principal cells found in the beginning part of the epididymis, a duct in the male reproductive system that contributes to sperm maturation, in various mammals including horses, cows, pigs, sheep, dogs, cats, and rabbits.
  • These cells were observed to have a significant amount of endoplasmic reticulum, which is a network of tube-like structures in the cell involved in the production and transport of proteins and lipids. The endoplasmic reticulum was described as “partly rough”, meaning it contained ribosomes that are essential for protein synthesis.
  • These principal cells also showed the presence of a substantial Golgi complex, an organelle involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging macromolecules for secretion (export) out of the cell or use within the cell.

Vacuole formation and merocrine secretion

  • The study detected small vacuoles, or membrane-enclosed structures within the cell, which appeared to be filled with an opaque content.
  • These vacuoles seem to form within the Golgi complex and subsequently move towards the top part of the cell.
  • Upon reaching the apex of the cell, the vacuoles release their contents into the lumen, the interior space of a tubular structure, through a process known as merocrine secretion. In merocrine secretion, the secretory cells remain intact and unharmed, unlike in other secretion modes where the cell may burst or peel away.
  • This observation suggests that these principal cells use merocrine secretion to empty the vacuoles’ contents into the epididymis lumen.

The research provides an understanding of the cellular mechanisms involved in the functioning of the epididymis, contributing to the broader knowledge of the male reproductive system’s microanatomy. Future research could further study the functional implications of these mechanisms and how they contribute to reproductive health.

Cite This Article

APA
Nicander L, Malmqvist M. (1977). Ultrastructural observations suggesting merocrine secretion in the initial segment of the mammalian epididymis. Cell Tissue Res, 184(4), 487-490. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00220971

Publication

Cell and tissue research
ISSN: 0302-766X
NlmUniqueID: 0417625
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 184
Issue: 4
Pages: 487-490

Researcher Affiliations

Nicander, L
    Malmqvist, M

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Cats
      • Cattle
      • Dogs
      • Endoplasmic Reticulum / ultrastructure
      • Epididymis / metabolism
      • Epididymis / ultrastructure
      • Epithelium / ultrastructure
      • Goats
      • Golgi Apparatus / ultrastructure
      • Horses
      • Male
      • Mammals / anatomy & histology
      • Rabbits
      • Sheep
      • Swine
      • Vacuoles / ultrastructure

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      Citations

      This article has been cited 14 times.
      1. Rowlison T, Comizzoli P. Transfer of Galectin-3-Binding Protein via Epididymal Extracellular Vesicles Promotes Sperm Fertilizing Ability and Developmental Potential in the Domestic Cat Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023 Feb 4;24(4).
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      2. Rowlison T, Ottinger MA, Comizzoli P. Exposure to epididymal extracellular vesicles enhances immature sperm function and sustains vitality of cryopreserved spermatozoa in the domestic cat model. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021 Aug;38(8):2061-2071.
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      3. Ibrahim ZH, Al-Kheraije KA, Singh SK. Morphological and histochemical changes in the dromedary camel epididymis in relation to reproductive activity. Histol Histopathol 2021 May;36(5):485-504.
        doi: 10.14670/HH-18-303pubmed: 33426635google scholar: lookup
      4. Rowlison T, Cleland TP, Ottinger MA, Comizzoli P. Novel Proteomic Profiling of Epididymal Extracellular Vesicles in the Domestic Cat Reveals Proteins Related to Sequential Sperm Maturation with Differences Observed between Normospermic and Teratospermic Individuals. Mol Cell Proteomics 2020 Dec;19(12):2090-2104.
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      5. Rowlison T, Ottinger MA, Comizzoli P. Key factors enhancing sperm fertilizing ability are transferred from the epididymis to the spermatozoa via epididymosomes in the domestic cat model. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018 Feb;35(2):221-228.
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