Phagocytosis of spermatozoa in the terminal region and gland of the vas deferens of the rat.
The existence of a discrete group of cells that are able to phagocytose spermatozoa is reported in the terminal vas deferens of the rat. In addition it is shown that phagocytosis of spermatozoa occurs in the gland of the vas deferens. The cytological mechanisms involved in the phagocytotic process are discussed, and the role that this activity may have on the removal of surplus spermatozoa is discussed.
D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008566:Membranes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010587:Phagocytosis; D051381:Rats; D013094:Spermatozoa; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure