The effect of non-union of testis and epididymis and of cryptorchidism on the development of epididymis and ductus deferens in the rat.
16-days old rats were operated with either uni- or bilateral ligation of ductuli efferents and separation of testis and epididymis to the level of the inferior epididymal artery (non-union operation), induction of cryptorchidism or bilateral sham operation. The epididymides were weighed and the epididymides and deferent ducts were examined with light- and electron-microscopy at days 30, 37, 44 and 58. Bilateral non-union operated epididymides and cryptepididymides had a significantly lower weight increase than controls, but the histology and diameter of epididymal tubules were unchanged. This indicates a true growth retardation and reduced length of epididymal tubules of non-union operated and cryptepididymides. For bilateral operations a positive correlation was found between the weight of epididymis and plasma levels of total testosterone as reported earlier. Unilaterally operated epididymides had a weight development significantly below contralateral controls, despite normal plasma levels of testosterone. It is concluded that the reduced-weight of unilaterally operated epididymides is the result of diminished local androgen stimulation from the ipsilateral testis. Non-union of testis and epididymis may have pathogenetic significance in maldescent of testis by a retarded growth of the ductal system.
Johansen
T E
TE
Department of Surgery, Telemark Central Hospital, Porsgrunn, Norway.
Clausen
O P
OP
Nesland
J M
JM
D000818:Animals; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000473:pathology*; D004822:Epididymis / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000473:pathology