Effects of castration and androgen-substitution on the morphology of the epididymal epithelium of the Japanese monkey, Macacus fuscatus, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

The caput epididymidis from castrated and androgen-supplemented, castrated Japanese monkeys was observed with the scanning electron microscope. The experimental findings were compared with the normal structures in control animals. The epididymal lumen of control animals was lined by a tall, pseudostratified columnar epithelium possessing long, slender stereocilia which were densely arranged in a tuft-like form. After castration, the epididymal epithelium was decreased in height to one-fifth of controls. The stereocilia were also considerably reduced in length and in number, resulting in a flattened epithelial surface with polygonal boundaries. Frequent projection of a long, single cilium from an epithelial cell into the lumen was also a prominent feature in the epididymal ducts of the castrated animals. Administration of testosterone to the castrated animals resulted in almost complete recovery of the epididymal epithelium as well as regeneration of the stereocilia which regained a tuft-like arrangement.