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Structure of the seminal pathway in the European chub, Leuciscus cephalus (Cyprinidae); Teleostei
Author(s) -
Walter Ingrid,
Tschulenk Waltraud,
Schabuss Michael,
Miller Ingrid,
Grillitsch Britta
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/jmor.10312
Subject(s) - biology , leuciscus , sperm , rete testis , duct (anatomy) , mesonephros , microbiology and biotechnology , anatomy , epithelium , cyprinidae , spermatogenesis , trout , endocrinology , epididymis , fishery , biochemistry , botany , embryonic stem cell , genetics , fish <actinopterygii> , gene
The testicular efferent duct system of Leuciscus cephalus (Cyprinidae), is described for three phases of testicular development. Testicular main ducts were analyzed by means of conventional histology and transmission electron microscopy. Additional techniques were applied for lectin histochemistry to determine secretory activity, as well as immunohistochemistry for cell proliferation activity and for muscle actin to demonstrate the distribution and amount of contractile cells. The contribution of the main ducts' epithelia and of degenerating spermatocytes to seminal fluid composition was confirmed, with the former being a source of carbohydrates and the latter that of phospholipids. The apical glycocalyx of epithelial cells, which is important in cell recognition and potentially involved in sperm storage, was marked by RCA I, LCA, and WGA lectin. Higher numbers of proliferating epithelial cells were ascertained during spawning phase compared to pre‐ and postspawning phases. In the ducts' stroma, a large number of cells expressed muscle actin and tropomyosin, indicating the ducts' contractile potential for the transport of seminal fluid towards release. Adjacent to these contractile cells, numerous nerves were found, indicating neuronal control of sperm fluid flow. J. Morphol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.