Effects of ischaemia on the caput epididymis and its relationship to XXXX : a qualitative study in the ram.

@entity1 @entity455 @entity3892 @entity3885 @entity6973 @entity432 @entity3893
The objective of this study was to determine if localized ischaemia of the caput epididymis in the ram causes morphological changes similar to those characteristic of @entity3892 in @entity1 . This was tested by performing unilateral occlusion of the superior epididymal artery in 10 rams. At the end of 4 (n = 5) or 28 weeks (n = 4), rams were castrated and the testes and epididymides were weighed. Analysis of histological sections at the light microscope level provided quantitative data on lumen diameter and epithelial cell height of the efferent ducts. Qualitative analysis and specific histochemical stains for identification of lipofuscin pigment provided further information on tissue changes. Electron microscopy was performed on the efferent ducts to assess ultrastructural changes. The results revealed that localized ischaemia of the proximal epididymis caused a dramatic change in tubule calibre of the efferent ducts and initial segment resulting in @entity3885 . These changes were more severe following 28 weeks of @entity432 . The epithelial cells of the proximal region showed an increase in the number of lysosomes and they became active in phagocytosis of spermatozoa. @entity6973 pigment accumulated within the epithelial cells and also in macrophage-like cells that had invaded the lumina, interstitium and intra-epithelial regions of the ducts. On the basis of these observations we conclude that the tissue changes which occur in the ram epididymis as a result of localized ischaemia show a striking similarity to those seen in @entity1 exhibiting @entity3892 . This suggests the possible implication of @entity455 in the aetiology of obstructive @entity3893 in @entity1 .
