Interpreting histopathology in the epididymis
Contribuinte(s) |
Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) |
---|---|
Data(s) |
07/12/2015
07/12/2015
2014
|
Resumo |
While most of this Special Issue is devoted to the testis (which is where most drug and chemically induced toxicity of the male reproductive tract is identified), being able to recognize and understand the potential effects of toxicants on the epididymis is immensely important and an area that is often overlooked. The epididymis is the organ where the post-testicular sperm differentiation occurs, through a complex and still not completely understood sperm maturation process, allowing them to fertilize the oocyte. Also in the epididymis, sperm are stored until ejaculation, while being protected from immunogenic reaction by a blood-epididymis barrier. From a toxicologic perspective the epididymis is inherently complicated as its structure and function can be altered both indirectly and directly. In this review we will discuss the factors that must be considered when attempting to distinguish between indirect and direct epididymal toxicity and highlight what is currently known about mechanisms of epididymal toxicants, using the rat as a reference model. We identify 2 distinguishable signature lesions - one representing androgen deprivation (secondary to Leydig cell toxicity in the testis) and another representing a direct acting toxicant. Other commonly observed alterations will also be shown and discussed. Finally, we point out that many of the key functions of the epididymis can be altered in the absence of a detectable change in tissue structure. Collectively, we hope this will provide pathologists with increased confidence in identification of epididymal toxicity and enable more informed guidance as mechanism of action is considered. |
Formato |
1-12 |
Identificador |
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/21565562.2014.979114 Spermatogenesis, v. 4, n. 2, p. 1-12, 2014. 2156-5554 http://hdl.handle.net/11449/130996 10.4161/21565562.2014.979114 26413396 PMC4581052 |
Idioma(s) |
eng |
Relação |
Spermatogenesis |
Direitos |
closedAccess |
Palavras-Chave | #Androgen #Epididymis #Histopathology #Sperm maturation #Toxicity |
Tipo |
info:eu-repo/semantics/article |