Abstract
Techniques of micropuncture and electron microprobe analysis have located ions within different compartments of the epididymis. There are increasing intraluminal sodium and potassium concentrations distally in tissue slices from the mouse epididymis (Hamilton et al., 1976). but these measurements would include the contributions from the increasing numbers of sperm cells. In other species during maturation in the epididymis the concentration of sodium ions within spermatozoa decline in parallel with removal of Na+ from the surrounding fluid and intracellular K+ in sperm is always maintained above that of epididymal fluid (Table 12). Ion concentrations in epididymal fluid differ markedly from blood or testicular fluid and regional differences are present (see Table 13); most noticeable are a loss of Na+ and an increase in K+ with high phosphate concentrations in the rat (Hinton et al., 1980a) and Mg2+ in the rabbit (Jones, 1978). Despite increased concentrations, a net resorption of potassium along the length of the duct is observed when the resorption of fluid is taken into account (Turner, 1984). pH decreases sharply between the testis and the caput epididymis of the rat (Levine and Kelly, 1978).
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Ashraf M, Peterson RN and Russell LD (1982) Activity and localization of cation-dependent ATPase on the plasma membranes of boar spematozoa. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 107: 1273–1278
Atmar VJ, Kuehn GD and Casillas ER (1981) A polyamine-dependent protein kinase from bovine epididymal spermatozoa. J Biol Chem 256: 8275–8278
Au CL and Wong PYD (1980) Bicarbonate transport in the perfused rat cauda epididymidis. J Physiol 301: 29 p
Au CL, Ngai HK, Yeung CH and Wong PYD (1978) Effect of adrenalectomy and hormone replacement on sodium and water transport in the perfused rat cauda epididymis. J Endocr 77:265–266
Babcock DF, First NL and Lardy HA (1976) Action of ionophore A23187 at the cellular level. Separation of effects at the plasma and mitochondrial membranes. J Biol Chcm 251: 3881–3886
Babcock DF, Stamerjohn DS and Hutchison T (1978) Calcium redistribution in individual sperm cells correlated with ionophore activity on motility. J exp Zool 204: 391–400
Babcock DF, Singh JP and Lardy HA (1979) Alteration of membrane permeability to calcium ions during maturation of bovine spermatozoa. Develop Biol 69: 85–93
Back DJ, Glover TD. Shcnton JC and Boyd GP (1975) The effect of a-chlorohydrin on the composition of rat and rabbit epididymal plasma. A possible explanation of spccics difference. J Reprod Fert 45: 117–128
Back DJ, Glover TD, Shcnton JC and Boyd CP (1977) Some effects of cyprotcronc acetate on the reproductive physiology of the male rat. J Reprod Fert 49: 237–243
Bamberg E, Weiser M and Dcsscr H (1975) Polyamincs in bovine epididymal spermatozoa. J Reprod Fert 45: 363–365
Benedict RC, Schumakcr VN and Davis RE (1967) The buoyant density of bovine and rabbit spermatozoa. J Reprod Fert 13: 237–249
Berridge MJ (1984) Inositol triphosphate and diacyl glycerol as sccond messengers. Biochem J 220: 345–360
Bishop DW and Matthews HP (1952) The significance of intravas pH in relation to sperm motility. Science 115: 209–211
Bowen RE, Graham EE and Crabo B (1973) A technique for collecting epididymal spcrmatzoa and fluids front the boar virtually free from accessory sex gland secretions. J Reprod Fert 33: 319–322
Bradley MP. van Eerten MTW and Forrester IT (1979) The energy-dependent uptake of Ca2+ by mammalian spermatozoa. Proc U Otago Med Sch 57: 5–7
Brandes D (1974) Fine structure and cytochemistry of male sex accessory organs. In: Male Accessory Sex Organs. Structure and function in mammals. Ed D Brandes, Acad Press, New York, pp 17–113
Brooks DE (1976) Control of glycolytic enzvmes by androgens in the rat epididymis. J Endocr 71: 355–365
Burgos MH (1974) Biochemical and functional properties related to sperm metabolism and fertility. In: Male Accessory Organs. Structure and Function in Mammals. Eds D Brandes. Acad Press, New York, pp 151–160
Carr DW and Acott TS (1984) Inhibition of bovine spermatozoa by cauda epididymal fluid: 1. 169 Studies of a sperm motility quiescence factor. Biol Reprod 30: 913–925
Carr DW, Usselman MC and Acott TS (1985) Effects of pH. lactate, and viscoclastic drag on sperm motility - a spccies comparison. Biol Reprod 33: 588–595
Cascieri M. Amann RP and Hammerstedt RH (1976) Adenine nucleotide changcs at initiation of bull sperm motility. J Biol Chcm 251: 787–793
Casillas ER. Elder CM and Hoskins DD (1980) Adenylate cyclasc activity of bovine spermatozoa during maturation in the epididymis and the activation of sperm particulate adenylate cyclase by OTP and polyamincs. J Rcprod Fert 59: 297–302
Cheung YM, Hwang JC and Wong PYD (1978) Membrane potentials of epithelial cells in the epididymis. Ionic and castration effects. Comp Biochcm Physiol 59: 403–407
Chulavatnatol M and Yindepit S (1976) Changes in surface ATPase of rat spermatozoa in transit from the caput to the cauda epididymidis. J Rcprod Fert 48: 91–97
Chulavatnatol M, Eksittikul T and Toowicharanont P (1978) Control of epididymal sperm motility: an approach to male fertility regulation. Int J Androl Suppl 2: 629–638
Clarke CH and Shankcl DM (1975) Antimutagenesis in microbial systems. Bactcriol Rev 39: 33–53
Cohen JP. Hoffer AP and Rosen S (1976) Carbonic anhydrase localization in the epididymis and testis of the rat: histochemical and biochemical analysis. Biol Rcprod 14: 339–346
Cooper TG and Ycung CH (1980) Epithelial structure of the rat cauda epididymidis after luminal perfusion. Int J Androl 3: 361–374
Crabo B (1967) Chemophysiological aspccts of epididymal function. Nord Med 78: 1009–1040
Fleming AD and Armstrong DT (1985) Effects of polyamines upon capacitation and fertilization in the guinea pig. J exp Zool 233: 93–100
Garbers DL. Wakayabashi T and Rccd. PW (1970) Enzyme profile of the cytoplasmic droplet rom bovine epididymal spermatozoa. Biol Rcprod 3: 327–337
Gordon M (1973) Localization of phosphatase activity on the membranes of the mammalian sperm head. J exp Zool 185: 111–120
Gordon M (1977) Cytochemical analysis of the membranes of the mammalian sperm head. In: Male Reproductive System. Fine Structure Analysis by Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Eds RD Yates and M Gordon. Abacus Press. Tunbridgc Wells, pp 15–33
Gordon M and Barmetl RJ (1967) Kmc structural cytochemical localizations of phosphatase activities of rat and guinea pig. Exp Cell Res 48: 395–412
Gordon M and Dandekar PV (1977) Fine-structural localization of phosphatase activity on the plasma membrane of the rabbit sperm head. J Reprod Fert 49: 155–156
Gordon M, Dandekar PV and Eager PR (1978) The identification of phosphatases on the membranes of guinea pig sperm. Anat Ree 191: 123–134
Goyns MH (1982) The role of polyamines in animal cell physiology. J Theoret Biol 95: 577–589
Gunn SA and Gould TC (1975) Vasculature of the testes and adnexia. In: Handbook of Physiology. Section VII Endocrinology, Volume 5 Male Reproductive System. Eds DW Hamilton and RO Greep. American Physiological Society. Washington DC. pp 117–142
Ham RG (1964) Putrcscine and related amines as growth factors for a mammalian cell line. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 14: 34–38
Hamilton DW, Olson GE and Beeuwkes R (1976) Epididymal physiology and sperm maturation. In: Progrocss in Reproductive Biology Vol 1. Ed PO Hubinot, S Karger. Basel, pp 62–73
Harrison GA (1931) Spermine in human tissues. Biochem J 25: 1885–1892
Heffner LJ and Storey BT (1981) The role of calcium in maintaining motility in mouse spermatozoa. J exp Zool 218: 427–434
Hinton BT and Setchell BP (1980) Concentrations of glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine and free inorganic phosphate in the luminal fluid of the rat testis and epididymis. J Reprod Fert 58: 401–406
Hohlbrugger G (1980) A micropuncture study of transepithelial water reabsorption in rat ductuli efterentes. Fert Steril 34: 50–54
Hohlbrugger G and Pfaller K (1983) Post-vasectomy impairment of transcpithclial water reabsorption in the initial segment of the epididymis. Archs Androl 11: 265–270
Hoskins DD. Acott TS. Critzchlow L and Vijayaraghavan S (1983) Studies on the roles of cyclic AMP and calcium in the development of bovine sperm motility. J Submicroscop Cytol 15: 21–27
Jenkins AD, Lechene CP and Howards SS (1978) The effect of estrogen on the concentration of seven elements in the intraluminal fluids of the seminiferous tubules, rete testis, and epididymides. Fert Steril 30: 732–733
Jenkins AD. Lechene CP and Howards SS (1983a) The effect of spironolactone on the elemental composition of the intraluminal fluids of the seminiferous tubules, rete testis and epididymis of rat. J Urol 129: 851–854
Jenkins AD, Lechene CP and Howards SS (1983b) The effect of estrogen administration in vivo on the elemental composition of intraluminal fluids of the seminiferous tubules, rctc testis and epididymis of the rat. J Androl 4: 272–275
Jones R (1974) Absorption and secretion in the cauda epididymidis of the rabbit and the effects of degenerating spermatozoa on epididymal plasma after castration. J Endocr 63: 157–165
Jones R (1977) Effects of testosterone, testosterone metabolites and anti-androgens on the function of the male accessory glands in the rabbit and rat. J Endocr 74: 75–78
Jones R (1978) Comparative biochemistry of mammalian epididymal plasma. Comp Biochem Biophys 61B: 365–370
Jones R and Glover TD (1973) The effects of castration on the composition of rabbit epididymal plasma. J Rcprod Pert 34: 405–411
Jones R and Glover TD (1975) Interrelationships between spermatozoa, the epididymis and epididymal plasma. In: The Biology of the Male Gamete. Eds JG Duckett and PM Racey. Suppl No 1 to the Biol J Unnaen Soc 7: 367–384
Kidroni G, Har-Nir R. Menczel J. Frutkoff IW. Palti Z and Ron M (1983) Vitamin D3 metabolites in rat epididymis: high 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels in the cauda region. Biochem Biophys Acta 113: 982–989
Lavon U. Volcani R. Amir D and Danon D (1966) The specific gravity of bull spermatozoa from different parts of the reproductive tract. J Rcprod Pert 12: 597–599
Lee WM, Tsang AYF and Wong PYD (1981) Effects of divalent and lanthanide ions on motility initiation in rat caudal epididymal spermatozoa. Brit J Pharmac 73: 633–638
Levin RM. Amsterdam JD, Winokur A and Wein AJ (1981) Effects of psychotropic drugs on human sperm motility. Pert Steril 36: 503–506
Levine N and Kelly H (1978) Measurement of pH in the rat epididymis in vivo. J Rcprod Pert 52: 333–335
Lindahl PE (1973) Activators of the ATP-depcndcnt surface reaction in the apical cell cell membrane of the bull-sperm head, causing hcad-to-hcad association. Exp Cell Res 81: 413–431
Lindahl PP (1974) Nucleotide specificity of the ATP-depcndcnt surface reaction of the acrosomal region of the bull sperm head. Exp Cell Res 87: 47–54
Lindahl PP and Kihlstrom JE (1952) Alterations in specific gravity during the ripening of bull spermatozoa. J Dairy Sei 35: 393–402
Lockwood DH and East LE (1974) Studies on the insulin-like actions of polyamineson lipid and glucose metabolism in adipose tissue cells. J Biol Chem 249: 7717–7722
MacIndoe JH and Turkington RW (1973) Hormonal regulation of spermidine formation during spermatogenesis in the rat. Endocrinology 92: 595–605
Majumdcr GC, Maclndoe JH and Turkington RW (1974) Hormonal Control of ornithine decarboxylase and s-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase during development of the rat epididymis. Life Sci 15: 45–55
Lukac J. Pribanic M and Karen E (1976) Calcium-binding protein in bull seminal vesicle secretion and seminal plasma. J Reprod Pert 48: 77–81
Matsuzaki S. Iiaman K. Imai K and Matsuhura K (1982) Occurrence in high concentrations of N-acctylspcrmidine and sym-homospcrmidmc in the hamster epididymis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 107: 307–313
McGradev AV and Nelson L (1974) Effect of calcium on bull spermatozoan membrane potential. Exp Cell Res 87: 398–400
McLeod J. Swan RC and Aitken GA (1949) Lithium: its effect on human spermatozoa, rat testicular tissue and upon rats in vivo. Am J Physiol 157: 177–183
Morton BE, Sagadraca R and Fräser C (1978) Sperm motility within the mammalian epididymis: species variation and correlation with free calcium levels in epididymal plasma. Pert Steril 29: 695–698
Mrsny RJ and Meizel S (1983) Initial evidence for the modification of hamster sperm Na+. K+-ATPase activity by cyclic nucleotide-mediated processes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 112: 132–138
Paonessa G, Mctafora S, Tajana G, Abrescia P. de Santis A. Gentile V and Porta R (1984) Transglutaminase-mediated modifications of the rat sperm surface in vitro. Science 226: 852–825
Parrish RF and Polakoski KL (1977) Effect of polyamines on the activity of acrosin and the activation of proacrosin. Biol Reprod 17: 417–422
Pulkkinen P. Sinervirta R and Janne J (1975) Modification of the metabolism of rat cpididymal spermatozoa by spermine. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 67: 714–722
Pulkkinen P. Piik K. Koso P and Janne J (1978) Effect of polyamines and their oxidized derivatives on the metabolism of rat cpididymal spermatozoa. Acta Endocr 87: 845–854
Rasweiler JJ and Bedford JM (1982) Biology of the scrotum.III. Effects of abdominal temperature upon the epithelial cells of the rat cauda epididymidis. Biol Reprod 26: 691–705
Reed PW and Takahashi Y (1973) A high activity divalent cation ATPase from the distal, caudal epididymis of bulls. Biol Reprod 9: 46–56
Rikmenspoel R (1984) Movements and active moments of bull sperm flagclla as a function of temperature and viscosity. J exp Biol 108: 205–230
Rikmenspoel R. Jacklett AC. Orris SE and Lindcmann CB (1973) Control of bull sperm motility. Effects of viscosity, KCN and thiourea. J Mechanochem Cell Motility 2: 7–24
Rogers BJ and Yanagimachi R (1976) Competitive eflect of magnesium on the calcium-dependent acrosome reaction in guinea pig sperm. Biol Reprod 15: 614–619
Rogers BJ. Ueno M and Yanagimachi R (1981) Fertilization by guinea pig spermatozoa requires potassium ions. Biol Reprod 25: 639–648
Rufo GA, Singh JP, Bahcock DF and Lardy HA (1982) Purification and characterization of a calcium transport inhibitor protein from bovine seminal plasma. J Biol Chem 257: 4627–4632
Rufo GA. Schoff PK and Lardy HA (1984) Regulation of calcium content in bovine spermato-zoa. J Biol Chem 259: 2547–2552
Saling PM. Storey BT and Wolf DP (1978) Calcium-dependent binding of mouse cpididymal spermatozoa tzo the zona pellucida. Develop Biol 65: 515–525
Salisbury GW (1956) The function of the epididymis of the bull. I. A theory for the activation of spermatozoan motility. Tijdschr. Diergeneesk 87: 616–623
Shah GV and Sheth AR (1978) Inhibition of phosphodiesterase activity of human spermatozoa by spermine. Experientia 34: 980–981
Shah GV. Sheth AR. Mugatwala PP and Rao SS (1975) Effect of spermine on adenyl cyclase activity of spermatozoa. Experientia 31: 631–632
Singh JP. Babcock DF and Lardy HA (1978) Increased calcium -ion influx is a component is capacitation of spermatozoa. Biochem J 172: 549–556
Stanger JD and Quinn P (1982) Effect of polyamines on fertilization of mouse ova in vitro. J expZool 220: 377–380
Stewart TA and Forrester IT (1979) Acctylcholinc-induccd calcium movements in hypotonically washed ram spermatozoa. Biol Reprod 21: 109–115
Storey BT (1975) Energy metabolism of spermatozoa. IV. Effcct of calcium on respiration of mature cpididymal sperm of the rabbit. Biol Reprod 13: 1–9
Storey BT and Kcyhani E (1973) Interaction of calcium ion with the mitochondrion of rabbit spermatozoa. FEBS Letts 37: 33–36
Storey BT and Kcyhani F. (1974b) Energy metabolism of spermatozoa: III. Energy-linked uptake of calcium ion by the mitochondria of rabbit epididymal spermatozoa. Fert Steril 25: 976–984
Svejnohova D. Janousck I and Suva J (1980) Study of lithium levels in the scrum and genital organs of male rats. Activitis Nervosa Superior 22: 178–180
Tabor CW and Rosenthal SM (1956) Pharmacology of spermine and spermidine. Some effects on animals and bacteria. J Pharm exp Therap 116: 139–155
Tabor H and Tabor CW (1964) Spermidine, spermine, and related amines. Pharm Rev 16: 245–300
Tabor II and Tabor CW (1972) Biosynthesis and metabolism of 1.4-diaminobutane. spermidine. spermine and related amines. Adv Enz 36: 213–268
Tabor CW and Tabor H (1976) 1.4-diamobutaine (putrescine). spermidine and spermine. Ann Rev Biochem 45:285–306
Tabor CW and Tabor H (1984) Polyamincs. Ann Rev Biochcm 53: 749–790
Turner IT (1984) Resorption versus secretion in the rat epididymis. J Reprod Pert 72: 509–514
Turner TT and Cesarini DM (1983) The ability of the rat epididymis to concentrate spermatozoa. Responsiveness to aldosterone. J Androl 4: 197–202
Uesugi S and Yamazoc S (1966) Presence of sodium-potassium-stimulated ATPase in boar epididymal spermatozoa. Nature (Lond) 209: 403
van Eerten MTW. Bradley MP and Forrester IT (1979) Ca2+ transport across the plasma and mitochondrial membranes of mammalian spermatozoa 11th Int Congr Biochem. Toronto (abst)
Voglmayr JK and Gandhi JS (1978) Survival of ram testicular spermatozoa in vitro: effects of glucose, glucose metabolites, rete testis fluid-proteins, selected androgens and phospholipids. Theriogenology 9: 463–478
Voglmayr JK. White IG and Quinn PJ (1969) A comparison of adenosine triphosphatase activity in testicular and ejaculated spermatozoa of the ram. Biol Reprod 1: 121–129
Walters MR. Hunziker W and Norman AW (1982) 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors: exchange assay and presence in reproductive tissues. In: Vitamin D. Chemical. Biochemical and linical Endocrinolgy of Calcium Metabolism. Walter dc Gruytcr and Co. Berlin, pp 91–93
Walters MR. Cunco DL and Jamieson AP (1983) Possible significance of new target tissues for 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. J Steroid Biochem 19: 913–920
White IG (1954) The effcct of some seminal constituents and related substance on diluted mammalian spermatozoa. Aust J Biol Sci 7: 379–390
Williams JA (1970) Origin of transmembrane potentials in non-excitable cells. J Theoret Biol 28: 287–296
Williams-Ashman HG and Lockwood DM (1971) Role of polyamines in reproductive physiology and sex hormone action. Ann NY Acad Sci 171: 882–894
Working PK and Meizel S (1982) Preliminary charactrization of a Mg2+-ATPase in hamster sperm head membranes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 104: 1060–1065
Wong PYD and Lee WM (1982) Effects of spironolactone (aldosterone antagonist) on electrolyte and water content of the cauda cpididymidis and fertility of male rats. Biol Reprod 27: 771–777
Wong PYD and Yeung CI I (1976) Inhibition by amiloride of sodium-dependent fluid resorption in the rat isolated caudal epididymis. Brit J Pharm 58: 529–531
Wong PYD and Yeung CI I (1977a) Fluid reabsorption in the isolated duct of the rat cauda epididyniidis. J Reprod Fcrt 49: 77–81
Wong PYD and Yeung CH (1977b) Hormonal regulation of fluid resorption in isolated rat cauda epididymidis. Endocrinology 101: 1391–1397
Wong PYD and Yeung CH (1978) Absorptive and secretory functions of the perfused rat cauda epididymidis. J Physiol 275: 13–26
Wong PYD. Yeung CH and Ngai HK (1977) Effect of at-chlorohydrin on transport processes in perfused rat cauda epididymidis. Contraception 16: 637–644
Wong PYD, Au CL and Ngai HK (1978) Electrolyte and water transport in rat epididymis. Its possible role in sperm maturation. Int J Androl Suppl 5: 608–628
Wong PYD. Au CI. and Ngai HK (1979) Some characteristics of salt and water transport in the rat epididymis. In: The Spermatozoon. Eds DW Fawcett and JM Bedford. Urban and Schwarzenberg, Baltimore, pp 57–63
Wong PYD. Au CL and Ngai HK (1980a) Effects of 6-chloro-6-deoxygIucosc on electrolyte and water transport in the epididymis and fertility of male rats. Int J Androl 3: 82–86
Wong PYD, Au CL and Ngai HK (1980b) The isolated duct oi the rat cauda epididymidis as a model for isosmotic transport studies. Jap J Physiol 30: 1–15
Wong PYD, Tsang AYF, Lee WM and Li CM (1980c) Secretion of the rat cauda cpididvmidis. Archs Androl 5: 327–336
Wong PYD, Tsang AYF and Lee WM (1982a) Secretion of macromolecules by the rat epididymis. Int J Androl Suppl 5:34–
Wong PYD. Au C and Bedford JM (1982b) Biology of the scrotum. II. Suppression by abdominal temperature of transepithelial ion and water transport in the cauda epididymidis. Biol Reprod 26: 683–689
Wong YC, Wong PYD and Yeung CH (1978) Ultrastructural correlation of water resorption in isolated cauda epididymides. Experientia 34: 485–487
Wu YW, Xie YK and Yuan D (submitted) Electrophysiological and ultrastructural studies of the blood-epididymis barrier of the rat. Int J Androl
Yanagimachi R and Usui N (1974) Calcium dependence of the acrosome reaction and activation of guinea pig spermatozoa. Exp Cell Res 89:161 –174
Yeung CH and Cooper TG (1982) Ultrastructure of the perfused rat epididymis: effect of luminal sodium ion concentration. Cell Tiss Res 226: 407–425
Zimmerman KJ, Crabo BG, Moore R, Weisberg S, Diebel EC and Graham EE (1979) Movements of sodium and potassium into epididymal boar spermatozoa. Biol Reprod 21: 173–179
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1986 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Cooper, T.G. (1986). Resorption and Secretion of Ions by the Epididymis. In: The Epididymis, Sperm Maturation and Fertilisation. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-71471-9_11
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-71471-9_11
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-71473-3
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-71471-9
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive