Ultrastructure of human bulbourethral glands and of their main excretory ducts.
The endpieces of human bulbourethral (BU) glands, studied with SEM after removal of the connective tissue, consist of short, coiled tubules often dilated into alveoli. Immunohistochemical studies at the EM level have shown that the mucous cells of these glands have mucous droplets, which react to blood group antigens, suggesting that BU glands participate in the secretion of these antigens into the seminal plasma. The main excretory duct is lined by a stratified columnar epithelium consisting of six-seven cellular layers. Cells of superficial layers, that are endowed with typical secretory granules, seem to contribute some unknown components to the secretions of these glands.
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Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, Università di Cagliari, Italy.
Usai
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Cossu
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Lantini
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MS
Scarpa
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Testa-Riva
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D000017:ABO Blood-Group System / Q000276:immunology; D002030:Bulbourethral Glands / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System