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Histological and Histochemical Studies of the Efferent Ductules of Male One Humped Camel (Camelus Dromedarius)

This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

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Abstract

A total of 9 adult apparently healthy male camels were used to study the histology and histochemistry of the efferent ductules during the winter season (rutting season). The efferent ductules were considered as a part of the excurrent duct system of the testis. They were convolutions of tubules that connect the rete testis to the ductus epididymidis. The tunica albuginea covering the ascending first region of the epididymal head showed many valved veins. This first region contained the extratesticular part of the rete testis and convolutions of efferent ductules, while the second region revealed convolutions of efferent ductules as well as the tubules of the initial segment of the epididymal duct. The extratesticular rete testis was lined by cuboidal epithelium. There was abrupt change in the epithelium lining the rete testis and that of efferent ductules. The efferent ductules were lined by epithelial membrane of three types of cells; columnar (ciliated and non ciliated), basal and migrating cells. The epithelium of the initial part of efferent ductules was lined with numerous columnar non ciliated cells showing numerous cytoplasmic vacuoles and fine granules. They showed signs of apocrine secretion. Along the course of the efferent ductules the columnar ciliated cells increased towards the epididymal duct. Few tall and slender dark cells appeared in the epithelium near the junction with the epididymal duct. The efferent ductules of camel were surrounded by fine peritubular smooth muscle layers, which increased in frequency toward the epididymal duct. Alkaline phosphatase enzyme reactivity was observed throughout the subepithelial connective tissue and blood vessels. Strong granular activity of acid phosphatase enzyme was demonstrated in the whole epithelium.