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Epididymal functions and their hormonal regulation
- Source :
- Australian journal of biological sciences. 36(3)
- Publication Year :
- 1983
-
Abstract
- The epididymis is a complex organ which maintains a specific intraluminal environment thought to be important for effecting sperm maturation in proximal regions and sperm storage in distal regions of the duct. The composition of the internal milieu is achieved both by transport between blood and lumen (and vice versa) and by synthesis and secretion into the lumen. Several low-molecular weight organic molecules achieve high concentration in the epididymal lumen, but their functions in the events of sperm maturation and storage still remain unclear. Metabolic processes occurring within epididymal tissue and the absorptive and secretory activity of the epididymal epithelium are regulated by androgens. The synthesis of some, but not all, secretory proteins is also androgen-dependent. In addition to androgens, other hormones and local testicular factors may influence epididymal function. There is now increasing evidence that epididymal-specific and androgen-dependent secretory proteins play a fundamental role in modifying the surface characteristics of sperm in preparation for the events of fertilization.
- Subjects :
- Male
medicine.medical_specialty
Lumen (anatomy)
Biology
Androgen-Binding Protein
Endocrinology
Internal medicine
Genetics
medicine
Animals
Humans
General Materials Science
Secretion
Receptor
Molecular Biology
Sperm motility
Epididymis
Mammals
Sodium
Proteins
Dihydrotestosterone
General Medicine
Sperm
Glycerylphosphorylcholine
Spermatozoa
Hormones
Rats
Sperm Transport
Sperm Maturation
Secretory protein
medicine.anatomical_structure
Reproductive Medicine
Receptors, Androgen
Protein Biosynthesis
Androgens
Sperm Motility
Animal Science and Zoology
Cattle
Developmental Biology
Biotechnology
Hormone
Protein Binding
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 00049417
- Volume :
- 36
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Australian journal of biological sciences
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....1876486f3039415d2d5558e528f8cfea