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The Rôle of the Epididymis and Ductus Deferens in the Direct and Unilateral Control of the Prostate and Seminal Vesicles of the Rat

Year: 1974

Type: article

Abstract: Summary. Unilateral castration and unilateral vasectomy both bring about a reduction in the androgen-dependent activity of the RNA polymerase enzymes of the ipsilateral lobes of the prostate and seminal vesicles compared to that of the equivalent organs on the contralateral side. After unilateral orchidectomy (i.e. the epididymis was not removed with the testis), the ipsilateral lobes of the prostate were maintained at the same level of activity as those on the intact side. The epididymides, in the absence of the testes but maintained by exogenous testosterone, sustained the prostate and seminal vesicles at a level not achieved in their absence. The epididymis, in the absence of the ipsilateral gonad but maintained by the contralateral testis, provided a greater sustaining influence on the prostate and seminal vesicles than did the testis and epididymis separated from the target organs by vasoligation. The evidence suggests that the epididymides are able to modulate the function of the prostate and seminal vesicles and that this influence is achieved through an intact ductus deferens. The unilateral effect of castration would seem not to be due solely to the removal of the testis but rather to the simultaneous excision of the androgen-maintained epididymis.

Source: Reproduction

DOI: 10.1530/jrf.0.0410413

Authors: C. G. PIERREPOINT, P. DAVIES, D. W. WILSON

Institution: Tenovus Cancer Care

Language: English

Topic: Sperm and Testicular Function

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Tenovus