Ultrastractural features of the principal cell in the epididymis of the rhesus monkey.
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Date
1982-12
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Abstract
The ultrastructural features of the principal cell in the epididymal epithelium of
the monkey epididymis are suggestive of the cell carrying out a dual function of absorption
and secretion. Both these functions occur on the luminal surface of the cell as well as on the
lateral and basal aspects of the cell which face the intercellular spaces. Transmision Electron
Microscopic studies of epididymal tissues following their impregnation with lanthanum
nitrate indicated that the intercellular spaces are effectively sealed-off from the luminal space
by the apically situated tight junctions between adjoining principal cells. The intercellular
spaces are contiguous with the perivascular spaces of the subepithelial blood capillaries. It is
suggested that the absorptive and secretory functions occuring on the apical surface of cells
may be related to the creation of an appropriate intraluminal milieu for the maturation of
spermatozoa while the occurrence of these functions in the intercellular spaces may represent
an exchange of substances between the principal cells and the subepithelial capillaries.
Description
Keywords
Epididymis, rhesus monkey, ultrastructure, male reproduction, epithelium
Citation
Kumar T C Anand, Prakash Asha, Prasad M R N. Ultrastractural features of the principal cell in the epididymis of the rhesus monkey. Journal of Biosciences. 1982 Dec; 4(4): 469-479.