Aquaporins Are Observed in the Duct Epithelia of the Epididymal Region of the Large White Turkey

The cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the reuptake of the testicular fluid supporting sperm exiting the testes in the bird are not known. The presence of aquaporins, proteins involved in transmembrane water transport, was investigated. Observations were limited to the ductuli efferentes, collecting ducts, and ductus epididymis. Interestingly all of these ducts were positive for aquaporins-2, -3, and -9 but not aquaporin- 7. When positive, aquaporin was observed localized over the whole cell or the apical plasma membrane of the nonciliated cells and the apical plasma membrane and cilia of the ciliated cells. This study is the first to clearly demonstrate the presence of aquaporins-2, -3, and - 9 in the epididymal region of any bird. We assume the aquaporins play a role in concentrating the sperm and in the promotion of sperm maturation in the epididymal region.