The epididymal microenvironment: a site of attack for a male contraceptive?

Abstract

During their development, spermatozoa are continually bathed in fluid provided by epithelial secretions of the seminiferous tubule and the epididymal duct. This fluid or microenvironment is probably very important for spermatozoal maturation and survival. Micropuncture and microanalytic studies have revealed the occurrence of several biochemical changes of this specialized microenvironment along the epididymal duct; these changes seem to be linked to sperm maturation. The interactions between maturing spermatozoa and their microenvironment must be understood before interference in sperm maturation through intervention of the formation of the microenvironment is possible. Several compounds have been shown to interfere in spermatozoal maturation in the epididymis although their use as male contraceptives requires further investigation.

PIP: This study reviews some of the functions of the epididymis, and suggests possible sites of attack for a male contraceptive. Microanalytic studies, conducted thanks to the new technique of micropuncture, on the male reproductive tract of animals, have revealed the occurrence of several biochemical changes of the microenvironment along the epididymal tract; this fluid microenvironment continually bathes spermatozoa, and it is fundamental for their maturation and survival. Intervention in this microenvironment could drastically interfere with sperm maturation. Several compounds have been studied or this purpose, but their use as a male contraceptive requires further investigation. Realistically, the probability that a male contraceptive will be marketed within the next decade is slim.