Decreased arterial vasculature of the epididymal head in XXSxr pseudomale ('sex-reversed') mice.
The microvasculature of epididymides of mature normal XY mice was found to be similar to that reported for other species. The abundant arterial supply to the initial segment is consistent with reports of extensive blood supply associated with high levels of metabolic activity in this segment. We have previously reported the absence of the initial segment in XXSxr pseudomale ('XX sex-reversed') mice. We now present evidence of a decreased arterial supply to the proximal region of the epididymal head in XXSxr pseudomales, including the absence of the dense peritubular microvascular network which surrounds the initial segment in the normal epididymis.
D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development; D004822:Epididymis / Q000098:blood supply*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000033:anatomy & histology