The comparative ultrastructure of the epididymis in monkeys and man: A search for a suitable animal model for studying epididymal physiology in primates

✍ Scribed by H. D. M. Moore; J. P. Pryor

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1981
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 862 KB
• Volume: 1
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0275-2565
• DOI: 10.1002/ajp.1350010215

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

To assess both the need and potential of different primates for studying human epididymal function, the ultrastructure of the epididymis in several New and Old World monkeys has been compared with that of man. Sexually mature monkeys of six species were used; three talapoin monkeys, two pig‐tail macaques, one patas monkey, one capuchin, one spider monkey, and four common marmosets. Samples of human epididymis were obtained from men undergoing vasectomy. Tissue was examined by light and electron microscopy and observations were quantified using image analysis.

The primate epididymis displayed several ultrastructural features not observed in other mammals. These included the presence of small membrane‐bound granules in the infranuclear cytoplasm of principal cells, and a close association of blood capillaries with the basal lamina and mitochondria‐rich cells. Differences were apparent in the number and volume of organelles in principal cells from different regions of the epididymis and between species. Epididymal tissue in man showed a much greater ultrastructural diversity than that of monkeys.

The significance of these results is discussed in relation to the need for an animal model for studying the primate epididymis.