The Role of the Epididymis and the Contribution of Epididymosomes to Mammalian Reproduction.
Int J Mol Sci
; 21(15)2020 Jul 29.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32751076
ABSTRACT
It is well-established that testicular spermatozoa are immature and acquire motility and fertilization capabilities during transit throughout the epididymis. The epididymis is a duct-like organ that connects the testis to the vas deferens and is comprised of four anatomical regions the initial segment, caput, corpus, and cauda. Sperm maturation occurs during epididymal transit by the interaction of sperm cells with the unique luminal environment of each epididymal region. In this review we discuss the epididymis as an essential reproductive organ responsible for sperm concentration, maturation (including sperm motility acquisition and fertilizing ability), protection and storage. Importantly, we also discuss specific characteristics and roles of epididymal-derived exosomes (epididymosomes) in establishing sperm competency within the intricate process of reproduction. This review suggests that an increasing body of evidence is working to develop a complete picture of the role of the epididymis in male reproduction, offspring health, and disease susceptibility.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Reproduction
/
Sperm Maturation
/
Spermatozoa
/
Epididymis
/
Fertilization
Limits:
Animals
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Mol Sci
Year:
2020
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States