1
|
Hassan F, Holtz W. Morphology of the epididymal duct of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus). J Morphol 2024; 285:e21675. [PMID: 38361275 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The study provides a general overview of the morphology of the epididymal duct in pigs. Four epididymides from two sexually mature boars were dissected into 32 segments and examined histologically. Duct lumen and wall thickness were measured and relative surface area of different components was assessed by Chalkley's random hit method. The epithelial lining was characterized at X1000. Lumen diameter and wall thickness of efferent ductules averaged 177 and 30 µm, respectively. Of the epididymal duct from caput to distal corpus the luminal diameter was 332 µm, with a narrower section in the proximal corpus. Wall thickness averaged 70 µm. In the cauda, luminal diameter and wall thickness increased to 717 and 751 µm, respectively. The epithelial lining of the efferent ductules consists of a single layer of columnar cells with average height 21 µm. The lining of the epididymal duct consists of ciliated, pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium composed of "basal cells" and "principal cells." Particularly tall principal cells (96 µm) were found in the proximal caput. Height decreased to 40 µm at the distal cauda. Microvilli from principal cells were 14-17 µm long in the distal caput but decreased to 5 µm in the distal cauda. The epithelial lining was folded in the proximal caput and more so in the distal cauda. Secretory granules (epididymosomes) were present in small amounts in efferent ductules and epididymal duct; the largest quantities occurred in the distal cauda. Leukocytes were present throughout the duct, albeit in insignificant numbers. Chalkley's random hit method showed rapid spermatozoan transport through efferent ductules and proximal caput in large amounts of fluid. Sperm concentration increased due to fluid resorption in the proximal caput, was highest from caput flexure to proximal cauda and decreased at the caudal flexure, indicating secretory activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferial Hassan
- Department of Animal Science, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Holtz
- Department of Animal Science, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rodriguez-Martinez H, Roca J, Alvarez-Rodriguez M, Martinez-Serrano CA. How does the boar epididymis regulate the emission of fertile spermatozoa? Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106829. [PMID: 34452796 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The epididymis is responsible for peripheral immune tolerance of maturing spermatozoa even though these have xeno-antigens foreign to the male and female immune system. The epididymis also produces factors required for fertilization and serves as a sperm repository until the time of ejaculation. These reproduction-relevant epididymal functions occur in the mesonephros-derived duct-system that is composed of absorptive and secretory epithelial cells with the capacity for merocrine and apocrine secretion of proteins, antioxidative- and electrolyte/pH-regulating enzymes and small, non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), many stored in epididymosomes for sperm adhesion and long-lasting modifications of sperm functions. This paper provides a review summary of current and new knowledge of how the boar epididymis affects the quality of spermatozoa in the ejaculate of breeding boars. There is a particular focus on sperm maturation, survival, function and the role of signaling to the female immune system in fertility modulation. Furthermore, aspects related to the ductus epithelial contributions regarding electrolyte control, protein production, release of epididymosomes that contain sncRNAs are emphasized as are novel associations with fertility of the male, sperm quiescence during storage in the cauda epididymis, and on changes occurring in sperm subsequent to ejaculation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Cristina A Martinez-Serrano
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bernardino T, Carvalho CPT, Batissaco L, Celeghini ECC, Zanella AJ. Poor welfare compromises testicle physiology in breeding boars. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268944. [PMID: 35617350 PMCID: PMC9135237 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In commercial pig breeding farms, boars are often exposed to stressful situations, such as confined housing conditions, inadequate environmental temperature, food restriction, lameness, diseases, among other challenges. Confined housing conditions, such as crates, are reported as a major source of stress for pregnant sows, and were banned in the UK and in Europe, however there is limited information about the impact of this housing system for boars. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of three different housing conditions for boars and the consequence on the testicles. We studied 27 crossbred boars (F1 large white and landrace), housed in crates (n = 9), pens (n = 9), or enriched pens (n = 9), during 10 weeks. We collected data of scrotal superficies mean temperature (SSMT) with a thermal camera; we measured testicular parenchyma perfusion (ultrasound evaluation); and we measured sperm characteristics. We found that boars housed in crates had a higher SSMT (p < 0.05) and higher testicular parenchyma perfusion than boars housed in pens and enriched pens (p = 0.01). Regarding the semen features, we found that boars housed in crates showed more agglutinated semen, and higher values of linear curved linear velocity (VCL) than boars housed in pens and enriched pens, both indicators of reduced fertility. These results indicates that boars housed in pens and in enriched pens showed better indicators of testicular health, better sperm motility features (VCL, p = 0.046), and less agglutinated sperm (p < 0;05) than that observed in boars kept in crates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Bernardino
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
- Programa de Mestrado em Medicina Veterinária e Doutorado em Saúde Única, Universidade de Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Carla Patricia Teodoro Carvalho
- Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology–Center of Biotechnology in Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Batissaco
- Laboratory of Teaching and Research in Pathology of Reproduction, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Eneiva Carla Carvalho Celeghini
- Laboratory of Teaching and Research in Pathology of Reproduction, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Adroaldo José Zanella
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Postnatal differentiation and regional histological variations in the ductus epididymidis of the Congjiang Xiang pig. Tissue Cell 2020; 67:101411. [PMID: 32835944 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2020.101411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Congjiang Xiang pig is a rare Chinese miniature breed whose epididymal histologic features through the postnatal development are poorly understood. To clarify the histomorphological differences between each region of epididymis during postnatal development, 24 male Congjiang Xiang pigs aged from neonatal (15 d), peri-puberty (30 d), puberty (60 d) to adult (180 d) stages, were examined. Postnatal differentiation of the different regions (I-V) of the epididymis started from birth and continued until maturity that showed regional variations. Developmental progression was disto-proximal. At the neonatal stage, Wolffian duct differentiation starts in the distal region, then ascends to the middle region which forms regions V, IV and III, respectively. A simple lined cuboidal in the epidydimal epithelial, which gradually differentiated into a pseudostratified columnar with stereocilia from neonatal to post-pubertal. After puberty cell rearrangement occurred in the epithelium, differentiation accelerated, and spermatozoon seen in the lumen, especially the lumen of region II. In region III, both halo and apical cells were frequently observed. At the post-pubertal stage, clear cells were frequently observed in Region IV-V, and the epididymal duct was markedly increased in size and fully packed with spermatozoa. The information presented in this study will be helpful for future evaluations of Congjiang Xiang pig fertility. After puberty cell rearrangement occurred in the epithelium, differentiation accelerated, and spermatozoon seen in the lumen, especially the lumen of region II. In region III, both halo and apical cells were frequently observed. At the post-pubertal stage, clear cells were frequently observed in Region IV-V, and the epididymal duct was markedly increased in size and fully packed with spermatozoa. The information presented in this study will be helpful for future evaluations of Congjiang Xiang pig fertility.
Collapse
|
5
|
Schimming BC, Baumam CAE, Pinheiro PFF, de Matteis R, Domeniconi RF. Aquaporin 9 is expressed in the epididymis of immature and mature pigs. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52:617-624. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- BC Schimming
- Department of Anatomy; Institute of Biosciences; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Botucatu SP Brazil
| | - CAE Baumam
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Botucatu SP Brazil
| | - PFF Pinheiro
- Department of Anatomy; Institute of Biosciences; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Botucatu SP Brazil
| | - R de Matteis
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Botucatu SP Brazil
| | - RF Domeniconi
- Department of Anatomy; Institute of Biosciences; São Paulo State University (UNESP); Botucatu SP Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cell proliferation in the seminiferous and epididymal epithelia of Sus domesticus. Theriogenology 2014; 81:702-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
7
|
Fàbrega A, Puigmulé M, Bonet S, Pinart E. Epididymal maturation and ejaculation are key events for further in vitro capacitation of boar spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2012; 78:867-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2011] [Revised: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
8
|
Bonet S, Briz MD, Yeste M. A Proper Assessment of Boar Sperm Function May Not Only Require Conventional Analyses but Also Others Focused on Molecular Markers of Epididymal Maturation. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 3:52-64. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02033.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
9
|
Lorenzana MG, López-Wilchis R, Gómez CS, Aranzabal MCU. A light and scanning electron microscopic study of the epididymis active state of the endemic Mexican rodent Peromyscus winkelmanni (Carleton) (Rodentia: Muridae). Anat Histol Embryol 2007; 36:230-40. [PMID: 17535358 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2006.00752.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the epididymis of the sexually mature Peromyscus winkelmanni (carleton) was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. The epididymis was divided into three regions: caput, corpus and cauda. The epididymal duct was lined with columnar and cubic epithelium with stereocilia and covered by a muscular connective tissue sheath. Capillaries appear to penetrate directly into the epithelium from the underlying connective tissue in the initial segment. The epididymal epithelium presents four cell types: principal, basal, apical and clear cells. Based on morphological differences (height of epithelial cells, length of the stereocilia, luminal area, larger diameter and spermatic index), the epididymis of P. winkelmanni, presents seven zones. The stereocilia of the epididymal ducts of zones I, II, IV and V are thick and tall, while in zone III they are thin and short. The stereocilia in zone VI are thin, while in zone VII they are short but thick. The secretory products observed in the lumen of the epididymal ducts have vesicular, granular and fibrous form in the seven zones. This study contributes to an understanding of the morphofunctional features of the epididymis in sperm maturation in a species that shows seasonal reproductive activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M G Lorenzana
- Departamento Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, 09340 México.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Domeniconi RF, Orsi AM, Beu CCL, Felisbino SL. Morphological features of the epididymal epithelium of gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus. Tissue Cell 2007; 39:47-57. [PMID: 17320128 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2007.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2006] [Revised: 12/01/2006] [Accepted: 01/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Principal cells of the ducts epididymis of the Mongolian gerbil showed ultrastructural characteristics of lining epithelium cells close related to processes of protein secretion, and transcytosis occurring between adjacent principal cells which were mainly verified in the initial segment. Principal cells also presented roles of fluid phase and adsorptive endocytoses, as well as autophagic and heterophagic lysosomal activities mainly observed in the caput epididymis. Columnar (principal) cells of the corpus epididymidis presented great number of variable vesicles and vacuoles distributed in all the cytoplasmic levels occurring a progressive coalescence pattern among them, which help to guarantee formation of cytoplasmic channels for fluid phase transport between the tubular lumen and epididymal interstitium. Clear cells were presented in the initial segment and predominately in the cauda epididymis epithelium of the gerbil and showed marked ultrastructural characteristics of endocytosis activities occurrence, perhaps directly related to the turnover of fluid phase of spermatozoa stored into the lumen of the distal tail. Other epididymal epithelium cells were verified and described such as basal, halo, apical and dark cells, but they did not presented special ultrastructural features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Fantin Domeniconi
- Post-graduate Program on Cell and Structural Biology, Institute of Biology, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Badia E, Briz MD, Pinart E, Sancho S, Garcia-Gil N, Bassols J, Pruneda A, Bussalleu E, Yeste M, Casas I, Bonet S. Structural and ultrastructural features of boar seminal vesicles. Tissue Cell 2006; 38:79-91. [PMID: 16533514 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2005.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2005] [Revised: 12/01/2005] [Accepted: 12/13/2005] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The morphological features of boar seminal vesicles were examined by light and transmission microscopy. Boar seminal vesicles consist of glandular tissue arranged in multiple lobules containing a system of ramified secretory tubules. The secretory tubules are composed of a mucosa formed by an epithelium and an underlying lamina propria and, are surrounded by a muscular layer. The epithelium is made up of columnar cells and occasional basal cells. Mast cells are frequently found among epithelial cells. Three types of columnar cells, considered different stages of the secretory cell cycle, are present: principal cells, clear cells and dense cells. Principal cells are functionally differentiated cells characterised by abundant mitochondria, great development of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and presence of secretory granules in their cytoplasm. The apical surface of many principal cells shows apical blebs filled with PAS-positive material. No acid mucosubstances are detected. Microvilli cover the apical surface except in the apical blebs. Dense cells, arranged between principal cells, are also functional differentiated cells but with signs of cellular degeneration. Clear cells are an initial differentiated stage of columnar cells and are characterised by the presence of a poorly developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and by the absence of secretory granules. Proliferating cells are present among columnar cells. Basal cells contain scarce cytoplasm, few organelles and no secretory granules. The lack of mitotic activity in these cells suggests that they do not act as precursors of columnar cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Badia
- Biotechnology of Porcine Reproduction, Institute of Agroalimentary Technology (INTEA), Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Campus de Montilivi 17071, Girona, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Schimming BC, Vicentini CA. Ultrastructural features in the epididymis of the dog (Canis familiaris, L.). Anat Histol Embryol 2001; 30:327-32. [PMID: 11820400 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0264.2001.00338.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The ultrastructure of the epididymal duct of the dog is described in this paper. The epididymis was divided into three morphofunctional segments: initial, middle and terminal. The cellular population of the lining epithelium is formed from principal, apical, basal and clear cells. The peritubular stroma and the tubular interstitium surrounding the epithelium are also described. The outcome is compared to the description made in other species of mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B C Schimming
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Marília, SP, Brazil.
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Stoffel MH, Friess AE. Morphological characteristics of boar efferent ductules and epididymal duct. Microsc Res Tech 1994; 29:411-31. [PMID: 7873792 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.1070290603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive morphological analysis of the porcine epididymis in view of the specific functions being performed in different regions of this organ. Blood supply and microvasculature of efferent ductules and epididymal duct were investigated by means of corrosion casts which were analysed macroscopically and by scanning electron microscopy. This revealed blood supply to the testis and epididymis to be closely related. The capillary pattern was typical for the efferent ductules, the caput, corpus, and distal cauda epididymidis, respectively. Corrosion casts were also used to visualize the course of the efferent ductules themselves. Tissue samples from different regions of the efferent ductules and epididymal duct were examined by light microscopy and both scanning and transmission electron microscopy, with special attention being payed to transitional areas. Morphological criteria allowed the distinction of three segments within the efferent ductules and of the initial segment, proximal caput, distal caput, corpus, proximal cauda, and distal cauda regions of the epididymal duct. Components of the endocytic apparatus of efferent ductule principal cells were identified by ferritin uptake. Ultrastructural evidence of absorption in the epididymal duct was particularly prominent in proximal and distal caput. Extensive cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum and a well-developed Golgi apparatus were indicative of active protein synthesis and secretion especially in the distal caput and corpus regions. However, assignment of various organelles in principal cells of the epididymal duct to either absorptive or secretory pathways still remains tentative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M H Stoffel
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Berne Veterinary School, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|