Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P56851 (epididymal)
 11,273 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

A specific androgen binding protein has been demonstrated in the seminal plasma of adult Ram. This protein binds especially to 5 alpha-DHT and testosterone and much lower to oestradiol-17 beta. Its characteristics such as Ka (in order 10(9) M(-1) at 4 degrees C), relative mobility (Rf) and its specificity are similar to those of the androgen binding protein (ABP) of the Rete Testis Fluid and the epididymal plasma of the Ram. It is probable that this protein secreted from the testis, crosses the epididymis before being secreted in the seminal plasma at the moment of the ejaculation.
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PMID:[Demonstration of a specific androgen binding protein (ABP) in the seminal plasma of the ram]. 41 95

Monorchidism is a Testicular Regression Syndrome (Vanishing Testis Syndrome), defined as the unilateral or bilateral partial and complete absence of testicular tissue with or without rudimentary epididymal and spermatic cord remnants in the presence of normal duct development and normal external genitalia. In this paper we report the results of a personal series of 36 patients. We discuss the histopathology and try to answer the question whether protection of the solitary contralateral testis by orchidopexy is necessary in monorchidism. Our results suggest that a fixation of the contralateral testis is not necessary in children operated on for monorchidism. The histopathological findings provide a support for the concept of in utero torsion of the testis as the basis for the Testicular Regression Syndrome. These findings are characteristic, if non-specific. Vas deferens, epididymis, calcification or hemosiderin pigmentation was noted in almost 90% of the cases. In the absence of these remnants clinical and surgical findings and the presence of a richly vascular stroma supported the diagnosis.
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PMID:[Unilateral anorchidism or monorchidism]. 134 Dec 89

When administered in overtly toxic doses to postweanling male rats, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) produces adverse effects on the reproductive system including a decrease in spermatogenesis. Because the male reproductive system may be particularly susceptible to toxic insult during the perinatal period, the effects of in utero and lactational TCDD exposure on its development were examined. Male rats born to dams given TCDD (0.064, 0.16, 0.40, or 1.0 micrograms/kg, po) or vehicle on Day 15 of gestation were evaluated at various stages of development; effects on spermatogenesis and male reproductive capability are reported herein. Testis, epididymis, and cauda epididymis weights were decreased in a dose-related fashion at 32, 49, 63, and 120 days of age, that is, when males were at the juvenile, pubertal, postpubertal, and mature stages of sexual development, respectively. When measured on Days 49, 63, and 120, daily sperm production by the testis was reduced at the highest maternal TCDD dose to 57-74% of the control rate. Cauda epididymal sperm reserves in 63- and 120-day-old males were decreased to as low as 25 and 44%, respectively, of control values, although the motility and morphology of these sperm appeared to be unaffected. The magnitude of the effects described above tended to lessen with time; nevertheless, the decreases in epididymis and cauda epididymis weights, daily sperm production, and cauda epididymal sperm number were statistically significant at the lowest maternal dose tested (0.064 micrograms TCDD/kg) on Day 120 and at most earlier times. To determine if in utero and lactational TCDD exposure also affects male reproductive capability, rats were mated at approximately 70 and 120 days of age with control females. Little if any effect on fertility was seen, and the survival and growth of offspring was unaffected. These results are not inconsistent with the pronounced reductions in daily sperm production and cauda epididymal sperm reserves caused by perinatal TCDD exposure since rats produce and ejaculate far more sperm than are required for normal fertility. The TCDD-induced reduction in spermatogenesis cannot be accounted for by concurrent effects on plasma follicle-stimulating hormone or androgen concentrations or by undernutrition. To investigate the nature of the spermatogenic lesion, leptotene spermatocyte to Sertoli cell ratios were determined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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PMID:In utero and lactational exposure of male rats to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. 3. Effects on spermatogenesis and reproductive capability. 158 64

The effects of a single low subcutaneous dose of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) (2.7 mg/kg body weight) on in situ pH in the rat testis and epididymis, plasma testosterone, and testis and epididymis weights were investigated in this study. Values for in situ pH in seminiferous tubules (6.97 +/- 0.01), proximal caput (6.62 +/- 0.01), middle caput (6.59 +/- 0.01), and proximal cauda epididymidis (6.84 +/- 0.01) of sham-treated rats were significantly more acid than systemic arterial blood pH (7.41 +/- 0.01). Cadmium (Cd) administration was associated with significant alkalinization of luminal fluid in seminiferous tubules (7.17 +/- 0.02) and in proximal (7.02 +/- 0.04) and middle caput (6.99 +/- 0.03), but not in proximal cauda epididymidis (6.88 +/- 0.02), after 1 d. Eleven days after Cd administration, marked alkalinization of luminal fluid was observed in all segments studied including proximal cauda epididymidis (7.21 +/- 0.02). Plasma testosterone concentration in sham-treated rats was 1.93 +/- 0.30 ng/ml and was reduced significantly after 1 d (0.56 +/- 0.06 ng/ml) and persisted after 11 d postexposure (0.57 +/- 0.07 ng/ml). Testis and epididymis weights were not altered 1 d after Cd exposure but were significantly reduced after 11 d. These studies suggest that the alkalization observed in luminal fluid of seminiferous tubules and epididymal duct of the rat after subcutaneous CdCl2 administration may be the result of structural degeneration of the testis associated with inhibition of Leydig-cell androgen production.
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PMID:Cadmium-induced changes in luminal fluid pH in testis and epididymis of the rat in vivo. 198 62

In the present study rats were dosed from weaning, through puberty and gestation, to Day 15 of lactation with methoxychlor at 25, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day. Morphological landmarks of puberty were measured, including the ages at vaginal opening, first estrus, and first estrous cycle in females and at preputial separation in males. In the female, estrous cyclicity, fertility, litter size, number of implantation sites, organ weights, and ovarian and uterine histology were also measured. The viability of the offspring (F1) and their fertility were evaluated using a continuous breeding protocol. Males were necropsied after breeding, the reproductive organs were weighed, and the cauda epididymal sperm counts were determined. One testis was used for histopathology, while the other was used to quantify interstitial fluid (IF) content, IF testosterone concentration, and testicular sperm production. Testosterone and androgen-binding protein were measured in the caput epididymis, and sperm motility and morphology were evaluated from a caudal sample. The serum and pituitary were saved for hormonal determinations. Methoxychlor accelerated the age at vaginal opening and first estrus, and the vaginal smears were cornified. Growth was retarded at 100 and 200 mg/kg/day and fertility was reduced when the females were bred with untreated or similarly treated males. In the highest-dose group, the mated females went from constant estrus into pseudopregnancy following mating, but they had no implants. In males, methoxychlor treatment markedly reduced growth, seminal vesicle weight, cauda epididymal weight, caudal sperm content, and pituitary weight. Puberty was delayed in the two highest-dosage groups. Testicular sperm measures were much less affected than caudal measures. Testis weight and histology were slightly affected, and testicular sperm production, sperm morphology, and motility were unaffected. Endocrine function of the testes and pituitary was altered by methoxychlor administration. Leydig cell testosterone production, in response to human chorionic gonadotropin challenge, was reduced and pituitary levels of prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were altered. In contrast, serum levels of prolactin, FSH, and luteinizing hormone were unaffected. Serum TSH was reduced by 50% of control at 100 and 200 mg/kg/day, while pituitary levels were increased. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone concentration in the mediobasal hypothalamus was also elevated. In spite of the many reproductive alterations, the fertility of treated males was not reduced when they were mated with untreated females.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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PMID:A dose-response analysis of methoxychlor-induced alterations of reproductive development and function in the rat. 292 22

Reserpine treatment in rats induces morphological and functional disturbances in exocrine glands which resemble those produced by cystic fibrosis. The general feature is a decrease in fluid secretion with a rise in mucous concentration and altered electrolyte composition. Chronically reserpinized rats have therefore been used as an animal model for the disease. It is known that cystic fibrosis men are infertile due to obstruction of the epididymal duct with inspissated material, a phenomenon that may be secondary to abnormal electrolyte and water transport in the epididymis. Male rats were treated with reserpine (0.5 mg/kg/day) for 12 to 14 days. At the end of the treatment, epididymal fluids were flushed out from the cauda epididymidis for measurement of spermatocrit, viscosity, total protein concentration, sperm concentration and motility. It was found that reserpine treatment caused a rise in viscosity (by 40%), spermatocrit, sperm concentration, and protein concentration. These changes were observed in the epididymis of rats that had been efferent duct-ligated before reserpine treatment. Despite a rise in viscosity of the fluid bathing the spermatozoa, the viability of the stored spermatozoa was apparently normal. Spermatozoa were able to initiate forward motility when suspended in a sodium-containing medium. Testis fluid secretion measured by weight gain after efferent duct ligation for 16 h was not affected by reserpine treatment. The change in viscosity probably was due to a decrease in fluidity in the epididymis. It is concluded that reserpine treatment in rats produced changes in the exocrine functions of the epididymis similar to those seen in other exocrine glands.
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PMID:Reserpine treatment increases viscosity of fluid in the epididymis of rats. 297 Feb 71

Doxorubicin was administered to adult male Wistar rats (1 mg/kg body weight, three times per week, for one, two, three, or four weeks) in order to examine testicular and reproductive endocrine toxicity 56 days after treatment. Doxorubicin treatment produced persistent dose-related reductions in testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicle weights, but did not alter ventral prostate weight. Testis and serum testosterone levels were not significantly affected by treatment, but serum LH was increased after treatment, and binding of iodinated hCG to testicular LH receptors was reduced. Serum FSH was elevated by the two lower total administered doses, but was not different from controls after treatment with the two higher total doses. There was clear histologic evidence of dose-dependent damage to the seminiferous tubules, which was reflected by decreased testicular and epididymal sperm content and by reductions in the stem-cell survival index. These results indicate that doxorubicin produces significant and persistent damage to the endocrine and spermatogenic compartments of the testis.
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PMID:Delayed effects of doxorubicin on spermatogenesis and endocrine function in rats. 298 Apr 5

During epididymal transit, the mouse sperm flagellum acquires a surface glycoprotein (SMA4) from epididymal fluid that functions as a sperm antiagglutinin. To determine the origin of this molecule, testes and epididymides of male mice were sectioned for light microscopy and stained with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-peroxidase, a probe that has been used previously to examine the biology of SMA4. WGA reactivity was localized to the cytoplasm in a small population of cells in the distal caput epididymis. Testis cells and principle cells of the caput were nonreactive with WGA, while stereocilia were stained on principle cells in the corpus and cauda. The WGA-positive cells in the distal caput were identified as holocrine cells on the basis of morphology, distribution, and PAS + reaction. At high magnification, intense WGA reactivity was due to the presence of numerous apical granules in the cytoplasm. The location of the cells in distal caput coincided exactly with the region of tubule in which sperm first acquired SMA4 on their flagellae. These data suggest that holocrine cells near the junction of caput and corpus epididymis are the source of the sperm antiagglutinin SMA4.
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PMID:Maturation antigen of the mouse sperm flagellum: II. Origin from holocrine cells of the distal caput epididymis. 303 4

Previous studies showed that interspecies differences in proacrosin size may exist. We purified guinea pig proacrosins, one from testes and two from epididymal spermatozoa, by gel filtration and cation exchange at acidic pH. Final purification was by cation exchange at pH 8.0 in 6 M urea. Testis proacrosin migrated with 62,000 Mr in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). One sperm proacrosin migrated with 43,000 Mr, and the other as a 56,000/54,000 Mr doublet in SDS-PAGE. These results represent the first purification of three forms of proacrosin from one species, and the first purification to homogeneity of a 43,000 Mr proacrosin. The proacrosins autoactivate at pH 8.0 with similar kinetics, copurify until the last purification step, and share antigenic determinants. It is possible that the sperm proacrosins are derived from the testis proacrosin, perhaps by proteolysis. The sizes of the three guinea pig proacrosins reported in this study are similar to those reported for proacrosins from other species. Apparent interspecies differences in proacrosin size may be primarily a question of which of at least three possible forms of the zymogen predominates in a species.
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PMID:Purification and initial characterization of proacrosins from guinea pig testes and epididymal spermatozoa. 311 22

Testis growth is stimulated when short photoperiod-regressed Siberian hamsters are exposed to a lengthening photoperiod, an effect presumably mediated by the pineal gland through a decrease in the peak nocturnal duration of secretion of its hormone melatonin (MEL)(D. S. Carter and B. D. Goldman, Endocrinology 113: 1268-1273, 1983). We examined this stimulatory or "progonadal" effect of MEL in short photoperiod-regressed, adult male Siberian hamsters that were pinealectomized (PINX) and given timed daily subcutaneous 1) injections of MEL (1 or 10 micrograms/day) or saline or 2) infusions of MEL that were "long day-like" (4 h, 10 or 100 ng/day), "short day-like" (10 h, 10 ng/day), or control saline infusions (4 h/day). Photoregressed sham PINX hamsters were transferred to long days at this time. After 5 wk of treatment, 1-microgram MEL-injected hamsters and both groups of 4-h MEL-infused hamsters had stimulatory responses that mimicked those of the long-day-exposed, sham PINX group [i.e., increased testes, body, and epididymal white adipose tissue (EPIWAT) weights, total body fat, EPIWAT lipoprotein lipase activity, and serum prolactin and follicle-stimulating hormone levels]. These effects were not observed in 10-micrograms MEL- or saline-injected and 10-h MEL- or saline-infused hamsters. Thus the peak nocturnal duration of serum MEL is the critical parameter of the MEL secretion profile for stimulating a variety of photoperiodic responses when photoregressed hamsters are exposed to lengthening daylengths.
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PMID:Effects of melatonin on long-day responses in short-day housed adult Siberian hamsters. 314 82


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