HISTOLOGY OF THE EPIDIDYMIS OF Chinchilla lanigera GREY.

GRAMAJO BÜHLER MC; F.J. PUCCI ALCAIDE; SÁNCHEZ TORANZO G

TAFI DEL VALLE

Jornada; XXVIII JORNADAS CIENTIFICAS; 2011

ASOCIACIÓN DE BIOLOGÍA DE TUCUMÁN

The Chinchilla lanigera has low reproductive rate in captivity. Males have ± 30% of idiopathic infertility may reflect a dysfunction in sperm maturation. The study of epididymal function is important to evaluate the sperm function. Have been reported in other species the correlation between the epididymal epithelium and changes undergone by the sperm and the influences of the intraluminal medium. The aim is to study the histomorphology of the epididymis of Chinchilla. Epididymal samples were obtained of sexually mature males and were fixed at 4 ° C in buffered formalin, performed routine histological techniques. The seminiferous duct is surrounded by connective tissue, highly vascular, and with smooth muscle layers. The epithelium is pseudostratified, in which identifies principal cells (P), basal (B), clear, apical and halo cells. P cells are columnar with stereocilia, and vary in height along the duct. B cells have no contact with the lumen. Observed in the epithelium intense secretory activity: apocrine secretion. The results show a similar histomorphology to that described in other mammalian species. The existence of intense secretory activity clearly demonstrates the role of the epithelium in the process of sperm maturation, suggesting that alterations in epididymal function could be the cause of unexplained infertility in this species.