Anatomic characteristics of epididymis based on histology, proteomic, and 3D reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The epididymis is a popular research topic in urology and reproduction. OBJECTIVES: To explore and identify the anatomical characteristics of the epididymis based on histology, proteomics, and 3D reconstruction of epididymal tubules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 3D reconstruction of epididymal tubules was generated based on 7-µm-thick transverse serial sections of an epididymis. The proteins in the subcompartments of the epididymis were obtained and analyzed by non-labeled sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry (SWATH MS). Protein function, signaling pathways, protein expression, and the histology in different subcompartments were analyzed. RESULTS: The caput (Cap), corpus (Cor), and cauda (Cau) of the epididymis were divided into 6, 10, and 4 subcompartments, respectively, and the subcompartment between the Cap and Cor is mixed together. A total of 3411 proteins were identified, and 854 proteins were accurately quantified after screening. When the subcompartment Cap 5 transitioned to Cap 6 and Cap 6 to Cap 7, 87 and 52 proteins were upregulated and 14 and 7 proteins were downregulated, respectively. The Cor 9 transition to Cau 1 was marked by 230 proteins that were downregulated, while 74 proteins were upregulated. At the junction of the cauda and the vas deferens, 57 proteins were downregulated, and 410 proteins were upregulated. Cap 6 histology was consistent with that of Cor 1. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The epididymis contains distinct connective tissue septa that can be identified under a surgical tabletop microscope, enabling it to be divided into 20 subcompartments.

Morphology of the male reproductive system of freshwater prawn Macrobrachium carcinus (Decapoda, Caridea): Functional and comparative aspects.

Testes and vasa deferentia are parts of the male reproductive system of decapod crustaceans. Both organs show morphological differences among decapod species in terms of anatomical and histological patterns reflecting the diversity of this group. Describing these features may assist in systematics, phylogenetics, and studies of reproductive behavior, especially for species of commercial interest, such as Macrobrachium carcinus, a native American species that, unusually for this genus, has no precopulation courting behavior. This study aims to describe the reproductive morphology and spermatogenesis of the male freshwater prawn M. carcinus. The male reproductive system of this species consisted of lobed testes connected to the vasa deferentia. The testis of M. carcinus was divided into several lobules. Each lobule was formed by a cluster of germ cells surrounded by connective tissue and nurse cells. This microscopic anatomy and histology of the testicular histoarchitecture has been described for many species of Decapoda and may represent a derived design of the testes. Unlike that in other decapod species, spermatogenesis proceeds in short transitory phases that produce spermatozoa at high concentrations and frequencies, corroborating the uncommon male reproductive behavior of this species. In the spermatic pathway, the lobules develop and fuse before releasing spermatozoa from the testes; however, this process has not been observed in decapods, yet. The neutral compounds secreted by the vas deferens are important for sperm nutrition as females secrete a substance for spermatophore adhesion during reproduction. This study presents different features and dynamics of the spermatogenic process in the male reproductive system of M. carcinus that have not yet been presented in the literature for decapods.

Vasa deferentia and associated structures of the male Panorpodes kuandianensis (Mecoptera: Panorpodidae).

The male reproductive system may provide significant evidence for the taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses of insects. However, current knowledge of the male reproductive system in Mecoptera is mainly concentrated on the external genitalia, and is rarely involved in the internal reproductive system. Here, we investigated the morphology and the fine structure of the vasa deferentia and associated structures of the male reproductive system of Panorpodes kuandianensis Zhong et al., 2011 (Panorpodidae) using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The male reproductive system of P. kuandianensis consists of a pair of symmetrical testes with three tubular testicular follicles, two epididymides, two distinctly partitioned vasa deferentia, a pair of mesadenia, one ejaculatory sac, and the external genitalia. A pair of expanded seminal vesicles are modified from the median part of the vasa deferentia, and evolve into secretory organs. The seminal vesicles have elongated cylindrical epithelial cells, which contain abundant secretory materials in the cytoplasm and form a small central lumen, likely serving a secretory function rather than provisionally storing sperm as in most other insects. Alternatively, the sperm are stored temporarily in the epididymis, the greatly coiled portion of the vasa deferentia. The morphology of the male reproductive system supports the close relationships of Panorpidae and Panorpodidae.

Intraoperative Observation during Total Extraperitoneal Repair (TEP).

We aim to observe and dissect the essential anatomical landmarks in totally extraperitoneal (TEP) procedures. Forty-six TEP procedures in 30 patients were prospectively performed in our department. During the dissection of the preperitoneal space, the following distances between landmarks were measured. D1: the distance from pubic symphysis to the arcuate line in the midline; D2: the distance from the inferior epigastric artery to the lateral border of the arcuate line (before sharp incision was performed); D3: as in D2 (but after sharp incision was performed); D4: the distance from the inferior epigastric artery to the crossing site of vas deferens and obliterated umbilical artery. Furthermore, the morphology of the posterior rectus sheath was documented. The corresponding distance between the anatomical landmarks varied greatly in each individual. D1: 8 ± 1.6 cm (range 4-10 cm). D2: 4.9 ± 0.8 cm (3.5-7 cm). D3: 6.8 ± 0.9 cm (5-9 cm). D4: 6.1 ± 1 cm (4.8-8.5 cm). Complete rectus sheath was found in 30.4 per cent (14/46) of the hernias. Anatomical variations were common in preperitoneal space. The crossing site of vas deferens and obliterated umbilical artery can serve as a landmark for dissection. Complete rectus was present in one-third of hernias, which necessitates a sharp incision for entering the correct lateral preperitoneal space.

Sperm morphophysiology in different sections of the rooster reproductive tract / Morfofisiología espermática en diferentes secciones del tracto reproductivo del gallo

It is important to know the morphological changes that occur in the spermatozoa of rooster during their passage through the reproductive tract, which help to understand what they acquire their fertilization capacity. The morphophysiological changes related to the capacitation and acrosomal reaction processes in the different segments of the rooster reproductive system were analyzed. Samples were obtained from various regions of the rooster reproductive tract and dorso-ventral massage to obtain ejaculates, 25 roosters were used Rhode Island Red with proven fertility, assessments were performed with chlortetracycline and Lectin WGA-FITC to determine the morphophysiological parameters. Sperm motility increases (p<0.05) during the passage of spermatozoa from the testis until they are ejaculated. The parameters of viability and morphology also show differences (p<0.05) in the different segments of the tract. Sperm morphometry shows a spermatic contraction (p<0.05) in the cranial and medial segments of the vas deferens. The acrosomal reaction capacity evaluated with chlortetracycline (CTC) or Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), was evident increasing the parameters (p<0.05) with the use of the perivitelline layer in the spermatozoa of the reproductive tract and of the ejaculate. Spermatozoa of the reproductive tract of the rooster demonstrate acrosomal reaction capacity without requiring a previous sperm capacitation condition. On the other hand, they do not show parameters of incapacity, which implies that they cannot be stored in any segment of the reproductive tract.

Es importante conocer los cambios morfológicos que se producen en los espermatozoides del gallo durante su paso por el tracto reproductivo y que ayudan a comprender como adquieren su capacidad de fertilización. Se analizaron cambios morfofisiológicos relacionados con los procesos de capacitación y reacción acrosomal de los espermatozoides presentes en los diferentes segmentos del tracto reproductor del gallo. Se obtuvieron espermatozoides de diferentes regiones del tracto reproductor del gallo y de espermatozoides de eyaculado. Se usaron 25 gallos Rhode Island Red con fertilidad probada. Se realizaron evaluaciones básicas, con clortetraciclina (CTC) y lectina Wheat germ agglutinin conjugada con isotiosionato de fluoresceína (WGA-FITC) para determinar los parámetros morfofisiológicos. La motilidad del esperma aumenta (P<0,05) durante el paso de los espermatozoides desde el testículo hasta que son eyaculados. Los parámetros de viabilidad y morfología también muestran diferencias (P <0,05) en los diferentes segmentos del tracto. La morfometría mostró una contracción de los espermatozoides (P<0,05) en los segmentos craneal y medial del conducto deferente. La capacidad de reacción acrosomal evaluada con clortetraciclina CTC o WGAFITC, fue evidente al aumentar los parámetros (P<0,05) con el uso de membrana perivitelina en los espermatozoides del tracto reproductivo y del eyaculado. los espermatozoides del tracto reproductivo del gallo demuestran capacidad de reacción acrosomal sin requerir una condición previa de capacitación espermática. Por otro lado, no muestran parámetros de descapacitación espermática lo que implica que no pueden almacenar en ningún segmento del tracto reproductivo.

Histology and ultrastructure of the testis and vas deferens in Pseudochorthippus parallelus parallelus (Orthoptera, Acrididae).

Pseudochorthippus parallelus parallelus (Zetterstedt, 1821) (Orthoptera, Acrididae) is a widespread species in Europe, and also it is localized in some regions in Turkey such as Bursa, Eskisehir, Ankara, Bolu, Düzce, and Çankiri. The features of the reproductive organs such as the numbers and shapes of testes and follicles can be used as taxonomical characters. For this purpose, the ultrastructural and histological features of testis and vas deferens in P. parallelus parallelus were examined with using light microscope, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. The mature P. parallelus parallelus has two conjugated testes produce spermatozoa. Each testis is composed of numerous testis follicles in which different stages of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis develop. First, spermatocytes are formed by the mitosis division of the germ cells at the distal end of the follicles. Then, spermatocytes form spermatids by meiosis division in the middle region of the follicles. Finally, spermatids are differentiated to spermatozoa at the proximal region of the follicles. After maturation of the spermatozoa, sperm tails come together as the sperm bundles called as spermatodesm. Each follicle is connected to vas deferens via vas efferens to discharging spermatozoa. In spite of some differences, the testes and the vas deferens in P. parallelus parallelus are highly similar to the those of other species, especially Orthopteran species.

Functional anatomy of the male reproductive system of the American lobster (Homarus americanus).

Despite supporting a valuable fishery, the reproductive system of the male American lobster (Homarus americanus) is poorly understood. The elongated H-shaped testis is responsible for spermatogenesis and is composed of follicles, a common collecting duct with interlaced scattered striated muscles, and a serosa as an external wall. Sertoli cells are associated with the spermatogenesis that produces spermatozoa, which are transferred to the collecting duct through a temporary passageway. Spermatogenesis is asynchronous between follicles and occurs on a continuous basis. The anterior and posterior lobes of the testes are independent and connect to the vasa deferentia through the Y-shaped collecting tubules that have a different cell anatomy and function than the two organs they connect. The vas deferens is divided into four regions. Spermatophores, produced in the proximal vas deferens, are packets of spermatozoa encapsulated in a single layer-the spermatophoric wall, which is composed of mucopolysaccharide acid. Large dense ovoid granules and the seminal fluid, composed of acidic sulfated mucosubstances, are secreted in the median vas deferens. Spermatophores within these secreted substances (i.e., semen) are stored in the distal vas deferens that, with the spermiduct (last region of the vas deferens), is responsible for the extrusion of the semen by striated muscle contractions. Smooth muscles suggest a peristaltic movement of the spermatophores within the vas deferens. Finally, the gonopores and the first pair of pleopods (i.e., gonopod) move the semen to the female seminal receptacle during copulation.

A morphological study of the male reproductive tract, post-testicular acrosome maturation and spermatophore formation in the black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon).

Inferior larval production rates of domesticated Penaeus monodon broodstock has been a major hurdle to the expansion of its aquaculture, so that a better understanding of basic male reproductive biology is critical to improve the reproductive performance of this commercially important penaeid species. Following our previous study of spermatogenesis in the species, this study explored the mechanism of spermatophore formation with regards to the contribution of the reproductive tract epithelium by light and transmission electron microscopy. Four types of epithelial secretions (S1-4) were observed contributing to the three layers of the spermatophore. The primary layer of spermatophore was composed of S1 and S2, which were released from the secretory epithelial cells of the proximal vas deferens (PVD) and the secretory epithelial cells of the sperm-bearing lumen of the mid vas deferens, respectively. The secondary layer of the spermatophore was composed of S3, the secretory product of epithelial cells in the accessory tubule lumen of the mid vas deferens. The outer layer of the spermatophore was formed from S4 which was secreted by the epithelial cells in the posterior mid vas deferens and the terminal ampulla. Unique folds of the vas deferens epithelium appeared to play an important role in the formation of the spermatophore, particularly in the formation of the laminated structure of the spermatophore appendage. With respect to acrosome maturation along the reproductive tract, most spermatozoa did not have a fully developed anterior spike and a subacrosomal region when in the PVD, whereas both structures were fully formed by the time the spermatozoa reached the mid vas deferens and increased electron density when in the terminal ampulla; this observation represents the first morphological evidence of post-testicular acrosome maturation in this taxon.

Morphological description of male genital organs of Marca's marmoset (Mico marcai).

Morphological characterisation of the genital organs of primates may bring significant contributions to the understanding of different reproductive behaviours and support new conservation strategies. However, relevant or detailed descriptions of genital morphology of several primate species are still lacking. This study describes the gross and microscopic anatomy of the internal and external genitalia of Marca's marmoset (Mico marcai). The same organs described in other primate species were identified here, but some anatomical particularities were detected, such as absence of a dartos tunic, presence of a vas deferens ampulla, absence of spongious erectile tissue in the pelvic urethra, separation of prostate gland lobes by a longitudinal sulcus and lack of septation in the corpus cavernosus and spongiosus at the level of the shaft and free portion of the penis. Keratinised type 1 spicules arising from epidermal or dermal projections were found in the free portion of the penis. Microscopic analysis revealed a small bone (baculum) consisting of peripheral compact bone and a central, non-ossified area filled with vascular tissue at the distal end of this portion of the penis. Results of this study may support further comparative studies of primates' reproductive ecology.

Histological structure and age-related changes in the luminal diameter of the excurrent duct system of guinea cocks (Numida meleagris) and associated changes in testosterone concentrations.

As little information is available on the reproductive system of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), a study was conducted on 49 male guinea fowl to document the histological structure and developmental changes in the luminal diameter of the ducts within the excurrent duct system and associated changes in concentrations of testosterone. Age-related changes were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and medians separated by the Mann-Whitney U-test. Tubuli recti were clearly visible in the guinea fowl and the rete testes were both intracapsular and extracapsular. Regardless of age, the luminal diameter of the proximal ductuli efferentes was the largest, while that of the connecting duct was the smallest. The luminal diameter of all ducts within the epididymal region increased (P < 0.001) monthly until 20 wk of age, and then increased marginally every month thereafter. Peripheral testosterone concentrations also peaked at 20 wk of age and declined thereafter. In adult birds, the ductus deferens enlarged posteriorly, from an average of about 279 µm cranially to 678 µm caudally. Peripheral testosterone concentrations strongly and positively correlated with the luminal diameter of ducts within the excurrent duct system. The pattern of increase in the luminal diameter of all ducts followed the pattern of testosterone secretion in these birds, which indicates that testosterone concentrations may be closely related to the development of the excurrent duct system in male guinea fowl.

Étant donné le peu d'informations disponibles sur le système reproducteur de la pintade (Numida meleagridis), une étude a été menée sur 49 pintades mâles afin de documenter la structure histologique et les changements développementaux dans le diamètre de la lumière des tubes à l'intérieur du système de tubes excréteurs et les changements associés dans les concentrations de testostérone. Les changements associés à l'âge ont été analysés par le test de Kruskal-Wallis et les médianes séparées par le test de U de Mann-Whitney. Les tubes droits étaient clairement visibles chez les pintades et les rete testis étaient intracapsulaires et extracapsulaires. Indépendamment de l'âge, le diamètre de la lumière des canaux efférents était le plus large, alors que celui du canal connecteur était le plus petit. Le diamètre de la lumière de tous les canaux à l'intérieur de la région de l'épididyme a augmenté (P < 0,001) mensuellement jusqu'à 20 semaines d'âge, et augmenta par la suite de manière marginale à chaque mois. Les concentrations périphériques de testostérone ont également atteint un pic à 20 sem d'âge et ont décliné par la suite. Chez les oiseaux adultes, le canal déférent s'élargissait postérieurement, d'une moyenne d'environ 279 µm cranialement jusqu'à 678 µm caudalement. Les concentrations périphériques de testostérone corrélaient fortement et positivement avec le diamètre de la lumière des canaux dans le système de tubes excréteurs. Le patron de l'augmentation de la lumière de tous les canaux suivait le patron de sécrétion de testostérone chez ces oiseaux, ce qui indique que les concentrations de testostérone pourraient être intiment associées au développement du système de tubes excréteurs chez la pintade mâle.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Testicular Structure and Seminal Pathway in the Yellowtail Tetra Astyanax altiparanae (Characiforms: Characidae).

This study aimed to describe testicular and its main ducts structure in the yellowtail tetra Astyanax altiparanae, contributing to the knowledge of the region in which semen is produced, storage and released, focusing mainly on the dynamic of germinal epithelium and Sertoli cells during germ cell maturation. Ten sexually mature male A. altiparanae had their testes processed according to the routine protocols to optical microscopy. Moreover, spermatic ducts and tubular compartment of the testes of three specimens were perfused with vinyl resin for gross anatomy and scanning electron microscopy. Astyanax altiparanae testes are paired organs, separated for most of their extension, joining posteriorly in a spermatic duct formed by a squamous simple epithelium. Seminiferous compartment presents anastomosing tubular type organisation, and spermatogonia spread along its extent. Spermatogenesis is of cystic type, and there is no main testicular duct. Spermatogenesis develops in 'waves', from posterior to anterior part of the gonad. Thus, while sperm is storage posteriorly, spermatogenesis keeps maturing germ cells anteriorly, making the germinal epithelium very dynamic, holding Sertoli cells that change their function as a cystic envelope to produce secretions of the seminal fluid and store sperm. Such kind of development is thought to be responsible by the high prolificacy of this species.

[Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure does not affect vas deferens orientation or testicular volume and perfusion].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of single-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) on the orientation of the vas deferens and the volume and perfusion of the testis in pediatric patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: A total of 92 consecutively enrolled boys diagnosed with unilateral inguinal hernia underwent single-port LPEC between June 2013 and June 2014. The orientation of the vas deferens and the testicular volume and perfusion of the patients were ultrasonographically assessed preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: All the surgical procedures were performed successfully without conversion or serious perioperative complications. Ultrasonography showed no angulation or distortion of the vas deferens on the surgical side during a six-month follow-up period. Similarly, no obvious changes were observed in the testicular volume or perfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Single-port LPEC is safe and effective in the treatment of pediatric inguinal hernia and does not affect the orientation of the vas deferens or testicular volume and perfusion.

Long-Term Spatio-Temporal Trends of Organotin Contaminations in the Marine Environment of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong imposed a partial restriction on application of organotin-based antifouling paints in 1992. Since September 2008, the International Maritime Organization prohibited the use of such antifouling systems on all sea-going vessels globally. Therefore, it is anticipated a gradual reduction of organotin contamination in Hong Kong's marine waters. Using the rock shell Reishia clavigera as a biomonitor, we evaluated the organotin contamination along Hong Kong's coastal waters over the past two decades (1990-2015). In 2010 and 2015, adult R. clavigera were examined for imposex status and analysed for tissue concentrations of six organotins. We consistently found 100% imposex incidence in female R. clavigera across all sites. Tissue triphenyltin (TPT) concentrations were high in most samples. A probabilistic risk assessment showed that there were over 69% of chance that local R. clavigera would be at risk due to exposure to phenyltins. Comparing with those of previous surveys (2004-2010), both imposex levels and tissue concentrations of organotins did not decline, while the ecological risks due to exposure to organotins were increasing. We also observed high concentrations of monobutyltin and TPT in seawater and sediment from locations with intense shipping activities and from stormwater or sewage discharge. Overall, organotins are still prevalent in Hong Kong's marine waters showing that the global convention alone may be inadequate in reducing organotin contamination in a busy international port like Hong Kong. Appropriate management actions should be taken to control the use and release of organotins in Hong Kong and South China.

Confocal microscopy reveals uniform male reproductive anatomy in eriophyoid mites (Acariformes, Eriophyoidea) including spermatophore pump and paired vasa deferentia.

Male internal genitalia of eriophyoid mites comprise cuticle lined (anterior genital apodeme, genital chamber and ductus ejculatorius) and soft (paired vasa deferentia and single testis) organs. Three-dimensional reconstructions based on autofluorescence show that a thin-walled genital chamber is usually situated in a transverse plane and precisely copies the shape of the spermatophore. A thin vertical longitudinal plate (homologous to female longitudinal bridge) joins the genital chamber and ventral genital cuticle. The anterior genital apodeme is a separate vertical plate situated ahead of the genital chamber and provides a rigid support for it. The brightly autofluorescent ductus ejaculatorius starts from the posterior extremity of the genital chamber and goes backward. Proximally, the ductus ejaculatorius is tube-like, whereas distally, it is expanded into a sac. Confocal laser scanning microscopy observations on males, stained with phalloidin, indicate that the proximal ductus ejaculatorius is devoid of muscles whereas the distal ductus ejaculatorius possesses well-developed musculature (the "spermatophore pump"), appearing in 3D reconstructions as a hollow sphere with three apertures: one anterior and two posterior. Two thin-walled sausage-like vasa deferentia join the distal ductus ejaculatorius with a large single testis, each junction is encircled by a strong, ring-shaped muscle (musculus sphincter testiculodeferentis). Thin muscular fibers of the wall of the testis form a net-like pattern consisting of distinct polygonal cells. The topography of the male internal genitalia and musculature suggests that, contrary to previous observations, the spermatophore head might be extruded first and then the spermatophore stalk appears. The possible role of visceral and skeletal musculature, in the process of the expulsion of a spermatophore, is discussed.

Fishery induces sperm depletion and reduction in male reproductive potential for crab species under male-biased harvest strategy.

Sperm depletion in males can occur when polygynous species are intensively exploited under a male-biased management strategy. In fisheries involving crabs species, the effects of this type of management on the reproductive potential is far from being understood. This study tests whether male-biased management of the principal Chilean crab fishery is able to affect the potential capacity of Metacarcinus edwardsii males to transfer sperm to females. Five localities in southern Chile, recording contrasting crab fishery landing, were selected to assess the potential of sperm depletion triggered by fishery. Seasonally, male crabs from each locality were obtained. Dry weight and histological condition of vasa deferentia and the Vaso-Somatic Index (VSI) were determined in order to use them as proxies for sperm depletion and male reproductive condition. A manipulative experiment was performed in the laboratory to estimate vasa deferentia weight and VSI from just-mated males in order to obtain a reference point for the potential effects of the fishery on sperm reserves. Sperm storage capacity is significantly affected by fisheries; during the mating season vasa deferentia from localities with low fishery intensity were heavier than those from high intensity fisheries, and these differences were even more evident in large males. Histological section showed that this disparity in vasa deferentia weight was explained principally by differences in the quantity of spermatophores rather than other seminal material. VSI was always higher in males from localities with low fishery intensity. Males from localities with high fishery intensity showed little capacity to recover sperm reserves and the VSI of these males remained below the values of the just-mated males. Detriment in the capacity of males to transfer sperm is the first step to sperm limitation in an exploited population, thus detection of sperm depletion can be an alert to introduce changes in the current management of crabs.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of deferent ducts papillae in urogenital duct system of the male rat.

BACKGROUND: The rodent ejaculatory ducts penetrate the male accessory sex gland complex and open into the urethra, anatomically similar to humans. Although the deferent ducts papillae in rodents have been described at the distal end of deferent ducts, they are absent in humans, and their detailed morphology has been unclear. METHODS: The detailed anatomical structures of the distal end of the deferent ducts of rats were investigated by the computer assisted three-dimensional reconstruction analysis using serial sections of the male accessory sex gland complexes in rats. RESULTS: The present study revealed that a pair of deferent ducts enters the ventral side of the male accessory sex gland complex, runs caudally parallel to the urethra, and then exits at about midsection of the dorso-lateral lobe of prostate. They are composed of mammilliform papillae, called the deferent duct papillae, which dorso-laterally protrude into the duct lumen from intra-ventral portion of the main duct of ampullary gland. The internal surface of the deferent ducts papillae is composed of ciliated columnar epithelium continuous from the deferent ducts, while their external surface is composed of the columnar secretory epithelium of the ampullary glands. Sphincter muscles were not observed in the deferent ducts papillae, while their lamina propria were occupied by many arterial or venous capillaries. CONCLUSIONS: The deferent ducts of rat terminated at the deferent ducts papillae that located at the main duct of ampullary glands that drained into the urethra. The deferent ducts papillae might be controlled by the expansion/contraction of well-developed papillary mucosal capillary vessels.

Morphology of the reproductive tract and acquisition of sexual maturity in males of Potamotrygon magdalenae (Elasmobranchii: Potamotrygonidae).

The purpose of this study was to describe the structure of the reproductive tract of males of Potamotrygon magdalenae before, during, and after they acquire sexual maturity, and to establish the first maturity scale for males within the family Potamotrygonidae. The male reproductive tract of P. magdalenae is composed of testes, efferent ducts, epididymides, deferent ducts, seminal vesicles, Leydig, alkaline, and clasper glands, and claspers, all of which are paired and functional. Four sexual maturity stages were established: immature, maturing, reproductively active, and resting. The degree of claspers calcification is also a good indicator of sexual maturity in this species. The testes are lobulated, each lobe contains numerous spermatocysts which are organized in zones and are displaced radially from germinal papillae to the spermatozoa zone where individual spermatozoa are conveyed to the efferent ducts. The epididymis can be regionalized in head, body, and tail; these regions are distinguished by external pigmentation and by the epithelium lining configuration. The tail of the epididymis is connected with the deferent duct and this, in turn, with the seminal vesicle. The spermatozoa are organized in spermatozeugmata which begin to form in the deferent duct; this latter organ is attached laterally at the Leydig gland that is composed by simple glandular units. Irregular and vesicular secretions can be found in the genital ducts. These secretions might be associated with the maturation of the spermatozoa and formation of spermatozeugmata. The male reproductive tract of P. magdalenae is similar to other elasmobranchs; however, two types of primary spermatogonia, an epididymis internally regionalized, and the presence and structure of spermatozeugmata are specific features not yet described in freshwater stingrays. Most of the year, the males were reproductively active, however, few resting adult males occurred during one of the months of the lowest waters.

Vas deferens neuro-effector junction: from kymographic tracings to structural biology principles.

The vas deferens is a simple bioassay widely used to study the physiology of sympathetic neurotransmission and the pharmacodynamics of adrenergic drugs. The role of ATP as a sympathetic co-transmitter has gained increasing attention and furthered our understanding of its role in sympathetic reflexes. In addition, new information has emerged on the mechanisms underlying the storage and release of ATP. Both noradrenaline and ATP concur to elicit the tissue smooth muscle contractions following sympathetic reflexes or electrical field stimulation of the sympathetic nerve terminals. ATP and adenosine (its metabolic byproduct) are powerful presynaptic regulators of co-transmitter actions. In addition, neuropeptide Y, the third member of the sympathetic triad, is an endogenous modulator. The peptide plus ATP and/or adenosine play a significant role as sympathetic modulators of transmitter's release. This review focuses on the physiological principles that govern sympathetic co-transmitter activity, with special interest in defining the motor role of ATP. In addition, we intended to review the recent structural biology findings related to the topology of the P2X1R based on the crystallized P2X4 receptor from Danio rerio, or the crystallized adenosine A2A receptor as a member of the G protein coupled family of receptors as prototype neuro modulators. This review also covers structural elements of ectonucleotidases, since some members are found in the vas deferens neuro-effector junction. The allosteric principles that apply to purinoceptors are also reviewed highlighting concepts derived from receptor theory at the light of the current available structural elements. Finally, we discuss clinical applications of these concepts.

Ejaculatory dysfunction.

Ejaculatory dysfunction may occur after many different disorders ranging from traumatic spinal cord injury to diabetes mellitus. With an understanding of the many facets and nuances of the ejaculatory apparatus, both anatomic and neurologic, the well-versed clinician can proceed along a safe, efficient, and appropriate treatment algorithm to help affected men and their partners achieve parenthood.

Disposable penis and its replenishment in a simultaneous hermaphrodite.

Although it is often thought that sexual selection is weaker in simultaneous hermaphrodites than in gonochorists, some simultaneous hermaphrodites exhibit bizarre mating behaviour. In the simultaneously hermaphroditic nudibranch Chromodoris reticulata, we found a peculiar mating behaviour, wherein the nudibranch autotomized its penis after each copulation and was able to copulate again within 24 h. To have sufficient length to be replenished for three copulations, the penis is compressed and spiralled internally. No other animal is known to repeatedly copulate using such 'disposable penes'. Entangled sperm masses were observed on the outer surface of the autotomized penis, which is equipped with many backward-pointed spines. There is a possibility that the nudibranch removes sperm already stored in a mating partner's sperm storage organ(s).