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Reproduction (2004) 128 127-137
DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00067
Copyright © 2004 Society for Reproduction and Fertility
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RESEARCH

Microcanalization in the epididymis to overcome ductal obstruction caused by chronic exposure to chromium – a study in the mature bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata Geoffroy)

M Michael Aruldhas, S Subramanian, P Sekhar, G Chandra Hasan1, P Govindarajulu and M A Akbarsha2

Department of Endocrinology, Dr ALM Post-Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani, Chennai 600 113, India, 1 Department of Biochemistry, Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai 600 025, India and 2 Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, India

Correspondence should be addressed to M M Aruldhas; Email: aruldhasmm{at}yahoo.com

In order to apprehend the toxic effects of chromium, an occupational/environmental pollutant, on the epididymis, adult bonnet monkeys were exposed to chromium (VI) in their drinking water at concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 p.p.m. for a chronic period of 180 days. At the end of the experimental period, testicles and segments of epididymis from control and treated monkeys were subjected to light microscopic (resin-embedded semi-thin sections) and transmission electron microscopic analyses. Among the various changes undergone by the epididymal epithelium, the present paper describes the origin of two different kinds of microcanals, probably caused by ductal obstruction. The first type of microcanal, which appears to provide passage for spermatozoa to bypass the obstructed main duct, is comparable with the one already reported in carbendazim-treated efferent ductules of the rat. The second type of microcanal, which is novel, consisted of a lumen in the epithelium enclosed by four to five cells, which are either modified basal cells, principal cells or a hitherto unknown cell type. This novel type of microcanal is suggested to be a device to entrap the spermatozoa which reach the core of the epithelium and may be a mechanism to prevent extravasation of sperm so as to avoid an autoimmune response of spermatic granuloma formation. Thus, the present study has shown that chronic exposure to chromium (VI) through drinking water can produce pathological manifestations in the epididymal epithelium but the epididymis, being a versatile organ, is capable of overcoming such adverse situations through novel devices.




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M. M. Aruldhas, S. Subramanian, P. Sekar, G. Vengatesh, G. Chandrahasan, P. Govindarajulu, and M.A. Akbarsha
Chronic chromium exposure-induced changes in testicular histoarchitecture are associated with oxidative stress: study in a non-human primate (Macaca radiata Geoffroy)
Hum. Reprod., October 1, 2005; 20(10): 2801 - 2813.
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