Ontogenesis and ultrastructure of seminal vesicles of the catfish,Clarias gariepinus

The ontogenesis and structural characteristics of the seminal vesicles in Clarias gariepinus (sharptooth catfish) were studied by light and electron microscopy and are described in detail. The seminal vesicles, beginning as simple protrusions from the vas efferentia, becomes more complex with age. Their distal ends become fingerlike and the bases form palm-like extensions. Juvenile male organs do not reveal any signs of seminal vesicles although spermatogenic tissue is already well delineated. The developing gonads contain clusters of large cells, close to the sperm duct and cysts of the testis, from which seminal vesicles are formed. Secretory epithelium lines the tubules of the seminal vesicles and becomes columnar as the tissue matures. Electron micro-graphs of these epithelial cells reveal two types of cells: opaque cells and cells with very vacuolized cytoplasm. Dense pinocytotic vesicles are present between the membranes of neighbouring seminal tubules and apical cell membranes facing the lumen. Maturation and onset of secretion by the secretory cells is accompanied by morphological changes. Protruding cylindrical cells become shortened, modified to cuboidal, rounded cells that send tubular extensions into the lumen. In the final stage of differentiation, only connective tissue membranes supporting the tubule walls remain intact. At the points of contact between the testis, seminal vesicles, and sperm duct, the epithelia of these organs often become confluent. The distal parts of the seminal vesicles, rarely contain sperm; during spawning sperm accumulated in the proximal tubules of the vesicles. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Structural and ultrastructural features of boar seminal vesicles

The morphological features of boar seminal vesicles were examined by light and transmission microscopy. Boar seminal vesicles consist of glandular tissue arranged in multiple lobules containing a system of ramified secretory tubules. The secretory tubules are composed of a mucosa formed by an epithelium and an underlying lamina propria and, are surrounded by a muscular layer. The epithelium is made up of columnar cells and occasional basal cells. Mast cells are frequently found among epithelial cells. Three types of columnar cells, considered different stages of the secretory cell cycle, are present: principal cells, clear cells and dense cells. Principal cells are functionally differentiated cells characterised by abundant mitochondria, great development of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and presence of secretory granules in their cytoplasm. The apical surface of many principal cells shows apical blebs filled with PAS-positive material. No acid mucosubstances are detected. Microvilli cover the apical surface except in the apical blebs. Dense cells, arranged between principal cells, are also functional differentiated cells but with signs of cellular degeneration. Clear cells are an initial differentiated stage of columnar cells and are characterised by the presence of a poorly developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and by the absence of secretory granules. Proliferating cells are present among columnar cells. Basal cells contain scarce cytoplasm, few organelles and no secretory granules. The lack of mitotic activity in these cells suggests that they do not act as precursors of columnar cells.     

Testosterone concentration in testicular venous blood of adult rats and seminal citric acid and fructose concentration as well as weight of accessory sex organs.

In 31 adult rats of Wistar strain (body weight 231 +/- 14g) the relationships between testosterone concentration in testicular venous blood of an individual rat and weight of accessory sex organs (testes, seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, levator ani muscle) and citric acid and fructose concentrations in seminal vesicles were investigated. No direct relationship was found between testosterone concentration and the above parameters. The correlation coefficient varied from 0.042 to 0.394.     

Ultrastructure and innervation of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) seminal vesicle.

The lining epithelium of secretory end pieces and central glandular duct in the seminal vesicle of the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) consists of columnar principal and small polymorphous basal cells. A system of intercellular and even intracellular canaliculi enlarges the secretory surface. The most prominent organelle of the columnar principal cells is the granular endoplasmic reticulum, forming large aggregates of parallel lamellae. Using antibodies against the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 and the neural marker protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), the innervation pattern of the seminal vesicle becomes evident. The muscular layer surrounding the propria contains a dense network of unmyelinated fibers. Thicker bundles traverse the muscular layer to reach the propria. Around glandular secretory tubules and below the epithelial lining of the glandular duct a tightly woven subepithelial plexus is observed which sends short penetrating branches into the basal zone of the epithelium. These intraepithelial nerves are devoid of Schwann cells and basal lamina (naked axons) and are situated within the intercellular spaces between principal and basal cells. Acetylcholinesterase histochemistry with short (1-2 h) incubation times, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural study of transmitter-containing vesicles was performed. The results suggest that muscular contraction in the seminal vesicle is predominantly under the influence of the sympathetic nervous system, whereas secretory epithelial function is regulated by both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers.     

Epithelial differentiation in the fetal rat colon: I. Plasma membrane phosphatase activities

During the last week of gestation of the fetal rat, the epithelium of the colon is rapidly remodeled. At 16 days a primitive stratified epithelium surrounds a small central lumen. Over the next 3 days, the main lumen extends narrow clefts down to the basal cell layer and small secondary lumina appear within the stratified epithelium between these clefts. At 19 and 20 days, secondary lumina enlarge but remain discrete; an infusion of cationic ferritin into the main lumen does not enter secondary lumina. During the 2 days prior to birth (21–22), the secondary lumina join the main lumen as superficial cells are sloughed, and the epithelium becomes simple columnar. Freeze-fracture replicas indicate that luminal and nonluminal membrane domains of epithelial cell plasma membranes are separated by continuous tight junctions throughout the conversion process. Cytochemical analysis of tissue slices from 16- to 22-day fetal colon demonstrated the appearance and segregation of two phosphatases on apical and basolateral membrane domains during epithelial conversion. Cysteine-sensitive pH 9.0 (alkaline) phosphatase activity was first detected along the luminal membranes of cells bordering both primary and secondary lumina at 18 days gestation and increased to a maximum at 20–21 days; weaker activity was present on basolateral membranes. Phosphatase activity at pH 8.0 also appeared at 18 days and increased thereafter, but was localized primarily on nonluminal membranes. At pH 8.0, reaction product appeared on both inner and outer sides of the membrane, and was only partially abolished by omission of K⁺ or addition of ouabain; thus the reaction may be only partially due to K⁺-dependent ATPase activity. Biochemical analysis of the cytochemical media confirmed the appearance of phosphatase activities at 18 days. Thus, plasma membrane phosphatase activities appear while the epithelium is still stratified, but are segregated to luminal and nonluminal membrane domains at the onset of activity. Segregation is maintained throughout the process of conversion of a simple columnar epithelium.     

The postnatal histology of the epididymis in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

The epididymis of buffalo is differentiated into 6 regions. The head represents the first 3 regions, the body the 4th region and the tail the 5th and 6th region. At 3-30 weeks, the epithelium is simple high columnar with few basal cells in region I, simple low columnar with few basal cells in region II, pseudostratified low columnar in regions III, IV, V, and pseudostratified low columar in region VI. As age advances, the epithelium increases in height and shows a tendency toward advanced pseudostratification. The basal cells are greater in number in regions III, IV and V than in the other regions of the epididymis. The epithelial cells contain stereocilia in region I at 3 weeks and regions III, IV and V at 30 weeks, whereas they are absent in regions II and VI. The tubules in region I are the smallest in diameter while the tubules in region VI have the largest diameter.     

High and testosterone-dependent glucose 6-phosphatase activity in epithelium of mouse seminal vesicle

For study of the mechanism of seminal fructogenesis, glucose 6-phosphatase activity was examined cytochemically (a method modified from that of Wachstein and Meisel) and biochemically (the method of Leskes et al.) in seminal vesicles from normal, castrated, and castrated and testosterone-treated mice. The reaction product for the activity was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope of all cell types composing the seminal vesicle. In normal seminal vesicle, the reaction product was apparently more abundant in columnar and basal cells than in other cell types. Ten, 20, and 30 days after castration, the abundant amount of reaction product in columnar and basal cells decreased to the level in other cell types. In animals treated with testosterone after castration, however, the reaction product in columnar and basal cells remained abundant. If fructose 6-phosphate was added to the reaction medium in place of glucose 6-phosphate, the amount and pattern of deposition of the reaction product did not change. Changes in biochemical activity in castrated or castrated and testosterone-treated animals paralleled the cytochemical results. The results show that the high activity in columnar and basal cells is under the control of testosterone, and the role of this enzyme is probably to release fructose into the seminal fluid.     

Structure of the accessory reproductive glands of the male migratory grasshopper,Melanoplus sanguinipes

The accessory reproductive glands of Melanoplus sanguinipes comprise two bilateral masses of 16 tubules each, distinguishable in sexually mature insects as four white, ten short hyaline, one long hyaline, and a seminal vesicle. Over most of its length, the wall of each tubule consists of a simple glandular epithelium resting on a basal lamina, surrounded by a thin layer of circular muscle. However, near the junction with the ejaculatory duct, the wall of each tubule has a much thickened circular muscle layer and squamous or cuboidal epithelium, the region serving to regulate movement of secretion into the ejaculatory duct. Interdigitation of adjacent epithelial cells is common, and several kinds of specialized junctions occur. In the glandular region, all epithelial cells appear the same and may be flattened, cuboidal, or columnar depending on the tubule type. Except for those of the seminal vesicle, the glandular epithelial cells share ultrastructural features typical of cells engaged in the synthesis of protein for export. Despite these general similarities, in most instances subtle differences occur in the cellular ultrastructure of the epithelia of each tubule and in the appearance of their luminal secretions, suggesting that the tubules are functionally specialized.     

The Transurethral Seminal Vesiculoscopy in the Diagnosis and Treatment of the Seminal Vesicle Disease

To develop a transurethral endoscopy technique of the transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy to examine and treat seminal vesicle disease. A total of 61 patients with seminal vesicle disease were diagnosed and treated with the transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy through the distal seminal tracts and vesicles. 58 cases were successfully treated using transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy via the seminal vesicles. The operation took 25 ~ 85 min, with an average of (35.6) mins. In this group, seven cases were diagnosed as ejaculatory orifice cyst, 14 cases had blood clots in the seminal vesicles, and nine patients had stones in the seminal vesicles. All patients were treated properly. Follow-up occurred at 3 months, with two cases showing post-operative discomfort in perineal region. One patient had recurrence with seminal vesiculitis, which improved with treatment. Four infertile patients had a significant increase in sperm count and ejaculation volume and two of these patients were able to naturally inseminate within seven to 18 months post-surgery. This approach enables a new endoscopic technique with the transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy to diagnose and treat seminal vesicle disease through the normal anatomic pathway which can be easily performed with few post-operative complications.     

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Developmental Stages of Malpighamoeba mellificae Prell in the Honey Bee

Primary trophozoites of Malpighamoeba mellificae Prell in the process of penetrating the cell membrane were found among the brush border of epithelial cells of the midgut of Apis mellifera L. They were long and slender with an average diameter of 3.68 μm. Their surfaces had some wrinkles and the cytoplasm contained some vesicles. Secondary trophozoites were found in the lumen of Malpighian tubules. Their size was variable and their shapes were highly irregular; some had pseudopodia. The smooth surface of trophozoites possessed numerous small protrusions and pits. Mature cysts were small and oval-shaped; they measured from 2.65 times 3.62-3.4 times 4.6 μm. Their surface was usually smooth but some had wrinkles.     

“Relationship between seminal PGE and 19-OH PGE and seminal fructose in man”

Seminal PGE, 19-OH PGE and fructose were assayed in normal volunteers and in infertile patients. From data obtained it appears that seminal PGE are probably not synthesized exclusively at seminal vesicles level since no relationship was observed between PGE and fructose. On the other hand the seminal vesicles appear to be the preferential site of seminal 19-OH PGE production since a close relationship was observed between 19-OH PGE and fructose in those case in which these prostaglandins were below minimum normal values. Various hypotheses are advanced in order to interpret the lack of correlation in the presence of high 19-OH PGE levels.     

Relationship between seminal PGE and 19-OH PGE and seminal fructose in man.

Seminal PGE, 19-OH PGE and fructose were assayed in normal volunteers and in infertile patients. From data obtained it appears that seminal PGE are probably not synthesized exclusively at seminal vesicles level since no relationship was observed between PGE and fructose. On the other hand the seminal vesicles appear to be the preferential site of seminal 19-OH PGE production since a close relationship was observed between 19-OH PGE and fructose in those case in which these prostaglandins were below minimum normal values. Various hypotheses are advanced in order to interpret the lack of correlation in the presence of high 19-OH PGE levels.     

FETAL RAT INTESTINAL ABSORPTION OF HORSERADISH PEROXIDASE FROM SWALLOWED AMNIOTIC FLUID

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) injected into amniotic fluid is swallowed by rat fetuses and within 3–6 h reaches the gut lumen. This macromolecular protein is then absorbed by the columnar lining cells via a system of apical cytoplasmic tubules formed by invaginations of the plasma membrane. From cytoplasm subjacent to the brush border HRP is transported, within vacuoles, to the supranuclear region, where some is retained for at least 18 h, and to interepithelial spaces. Extracellular enzyme is then found throughout the epithelial basement membrane and between connective tissue cells of the mucosal and submucosal layers Finally, HRP can be detected within lumina of blood and lymphatic capillaries, strongly suggesting that it is transported from the intestine to the circulation.     

Seminal ribonuclease synthesis in bull reproductive organs during ontogenesis

Seminal ribonuclease (AS RNase) is synthesized in the epididymis, ampullary glands and seminal vesicles of sexually mature bulls. During sexual maturation of Czech red-spotted bulls it first begins to be synthesized in the seminal vesicles and ampullary glands, after the age of 20 weeks. At this age practically none is synthesized in the epididymis. As soon as the epithelial cells of the seminal vesicles start to synthesize the enzyme and secretion of the fluids of this organ begins, synthesis per ml fluid is almost the same as in sexually mature bulls. AS RNase synthesis in the cauda epididymidis begins after the age of 27 weeks and is individually variable. AS RNase synthesis in the reproductive organs depends on the testosterone concentration in the blood plasma of the bull.     

Biochemical composition of washed human seminal coagulum in comparison to sperm-free semen from the same donors

Intra-individual inter-ejaculate variations in the amounts of protein, fructose, N-acetylamino sugar, phosphate, sialic acid and amino sugar in washed coagulum from normal ejaculates of men were highly consistent (N = 9). All the prostatic components studied (acid phosphatase, zinc, calcium and citric acid), except zinc, in the washed coagulum were reduced by 90% of their values in semen (N = 5). The seminal vesicular markers (fructose, N-acetylamino sugar and phosphate) had no association with the coagulum structure and represented the soluble components (N = 5). The concentrations of protein and zinc in the coagulum were higher than those of semen by 114% and 32% respectively. The coagulum contained sialic acid and amino sugar as integrated components.     

Sensitivity and specificity of the bioassay of estrogenicity in mammary gland and seminal vesicles of male mice

Young intact (18 days old) and adult castrated males of CBA and C3H/Di mice were used for measuring the estrogenicity on the basis of growth response of mammary epithelial structures and the weight of seminal vesicles. It was demonstrated that heavier young males had disproportionally heavier seminal vesicles (sex steroid-responsive organs) than small animals at day 33 of age (that is on the day when experimental animals were killed and organs dissected). However, the weight of the spleen (sex steroid-nonresponsive organ) was proportionally related to body weight. To minimize variability in hormone responsiveness, all animals were weighed at the age of 18 days and only males weighing 8+/-1 g were used for hormone treatment. The percentage area of mammary fat pad occupiedby mammary epithelial structures was progressively increased by 17beta estradiol from dose 0.01 microg x d(-1). The maximum effective dose of estradiol was 0.1 microg x d(-1) and dose 10 microg x d(-1) of estradiol decreased mammary size to control level (inverted-U-shaped dose-response curve). Progesterone alone stimulated mammary growth only in high doses (500 microg x d(-1) and higher) in young intact males, but had no effect on mammary growth in adult castrated animals. In young intact males, estradiol alone, or progesterone alone decreased the weight of seminal vesicles. No such inhibitory effect of these hormones was noted in adult castrated males. Progesterone acted synergistically with estradiol to produce higher mammary growth compared to that in males treated with estradiol alone. In the presence of progesterone seminal vesicles weight was decreased by estradiol given in such low doses as 0.001 microg x d(-1) of estradiol, which is 10 times lower than that effective in animals treated with estradiol alone. On the other hand, in the adult castrated males a combination of estradiol plus progesterone stimulated seminal vesicles weight. The effects of a combination of estradiol plus progesterone in the mammary gland were mimicked by norethindrone acetate (a synthetic steroid exhibiting progestantial and estrogenic activities) and inhibited by both testosterone and cortisol. Estradiol, progesterone, norethindrone acetate, or testosterone did not affect spleen weight and size of mammary lymph nodes.However, cortisol significantly decreased not only spleen weights but also size of mammary lymph nodes. These results showthat simultaneous evaluation of mammary gland growth, seminal vesicles, and the spleen weight in the same animal is suitable for bioassay of estrogenicity as well as for detection of androgenic and antiandrogenic activities.     

Similarity of vasopressin receptors in seminal vesicles and renal medulla of pigs

To test the hypothesis that the vasopressin receptors found in seminal vesicles are similar to those present in the renal tubules competition experiments were performed with vasopressin and several analogues with different specificities for the V1 and V2 subtypes of vasopressin receptor. Autoradiographic studies were carried out on sections from seminal vesicles and kidney to identify the cellular target of vasopressin. Vasopressin receptors in renal medulla and seminal vesicles of pigs shared the same rank order of potency for vasopressin and its analogues and were localized in the epithelium of the seminal vesicles and in collecting tubules of renal medulla. These results strongly suggest that the vasopressin receptors present in kidney and seminal vesicles belong to the same subtype, V2, of vasopressin receptor.     

Ultrastructure of the vasa deferentia of the mediterranean flour moth

Each vas deferens of the Mediterranean flour moth, Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller), consists of a short swollen portion immediately below the testis, another swollen portion that forms a seminal vesicle, and an elongate lower portion that empties into one arm of the ductus ejaculatoris duplex. Three types of epithelial cells occur sequentially. Phagocytic cells that engulf debris from the testis form the anterior two-thirds of the first swollen portion. Tall secretory cells form the distal third of the first swollen region and extend to the seminal vesicles. The secretory cells surround a slit-like lumen and appear to function as a valve between the two swollen regions. Many membrane-enclosed secretory granules are stored at the apical ends of the cells and are released into the lumen together with small amounts of the surrounding cytoplasm. The granules remain intact while they are in the male tract. A second type of secretory cell forms the walls of the seminal vesicles and the lower vasa deferentia. These cells produce secretory granules whose contents become dispersed through the semen. PTA-chromic acid staining indicates that the seminal plasma has a high glycoprotein content. A thin muscle layer is basal to the epithelial cells. Both apyrene and eupyrene sperm undergo some development in the vasa deferentia. The epithelial cells, muscle, and stored sperm all undergo extensive changes with age.