title: In vivo sodium, potassium, and sperm concentrations in the rat epididymis.
abstract: In vivo samples of epididymal fluids were obtained through the use of micropuncture techniques. Microsamples from four areas of the rat epididymis were analyzed for Na+ and K+ concentrations and for sperm density. Na+ values declined significantly from caput to corpus epididymidis (P less than 0.01), while K+ and sperm concentrations increased significantly (P less than 0.01). A large water loss from the epididymal lumen was calculated, as well as net losses of both cations. Water losses may be explained on the basis of an active Na+ pump; however, the effect of the absolute values of epididymal Na+ and K+ concentrations on sperm motility and fertility remains unresolved.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002452:Cell Count; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D004822:Epididymis / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism; D013094:Spermatozoa
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium