Influence of long and short photoperiods on the morphology and androgen receptor levels of the epididymis and the ductus deferens of Phodopus sungorus.
The photoperiodic influence (LD 16:8 long photoperiod, LD 8:16 short photoperiod) on the morphology and the androgen receptor level of the epididymis and the ductus deferens of Phodopus sungorus was investigated. Under short day-conditions, the wet weight of the epididymis is reduced to 5-6%, the diameter of the epididymal duct and of its lumen are reduced, the height of the epithelium and the thickness of the smooth muscle layer are increased. Number and size of epithelial and smooth muscle cells are not changed, no atrophy of the smooth muscle cells is found. The loss in wet weight during short photoperiods is discussed in relation to the loss of stored sperm and luminal fluid. The wet weight of the ductus deferens is decreased to about 30% at short photoperiods, the total length of the organ, its diameter and the luminal diameter are decreased. The height of the epithelium is slightly, and the thickness of the smooth muscle layer is strongly, reduced, the latter due to an enormous atrophy of the smooth muscle cells. The androgen receptor content of the epididymis (per pair of organs) is reduced to about 5%, that of the ductus deferens to about 10% of the values found at long photoperiods, indicating a significant loss of androgen receptors with low circulating androgen levels.
Schindelmeiser
J
J
Institute of Anatomy, University of Münster, Bundesrepublik Deutschland.
Kutzner
M
M
Bergmann
M
M
Aumüller
G
G
Heck
H
H
Hoffmann
K
K
D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D004822:Epididymis / Q000032:analysis*; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000032:analysis*; D012016:Reference Values; D013997:Time Factors; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000032:analysis*
D011944:Receptors, Androgen