Histochemical demonstration of zinc in rat epididymis using a sulphide-silver method |
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Authors: | O. Fujimori A. Tsukise K. Yamada |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Anatomy, Nagoya City University Medical School, 1 Kawasumi Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, 467 Nagoya, Japan;(2) Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Nihon University, 252 Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan |
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Abstract: | Summary We studied the histochemical distribution of zinc in rat epididymis using a sulphide-silver method. In the supranuclear cytoplasm of the principal cells that line the epididymis of rats, varying amounts of sulphide-silver-reactive zinc were visualized. In adult mating rats, significant amounts of zinc were found in the proximal portion of the epididymis, whereas in non-mating, mature and immature young rats, this heavy metal was most prominent in the distal portion of this organ. In all of the rats studied, zinc was sparsely distributed in the intermediate portion of the epididymis. From these results, it can be assumed that the zinc present in the epithelial lining of rat epididymis plays an important role in the maturation of spermatozoa. The present results represent a useful contribution to our understanding of the functional morphology of rat epididymis.Dedicated to Professor Dr. T.H.Schiebler on the occasion of his 65th birthday |
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