Histological and histochemical studies on the epididymis of the tupaiidae (tree shrews)‎

الملخص EN

The samples of epididymis duct were collected from three monkeys of Tupaiidae species.

Sections of 4um thickness were prepared for histological and histochemical studies.

The histological studies showed that the epithelium lined the head region consisted of single layer of high columnar ciliated cells, changed gradually to pseudo stratified columnar ciliated in the body region and into low columnar or cuboidal in the tail region.

There were large light stained cells with two different shapes throughout the epithelium.

The histochemical studies showed periodic acid Schiff (PAS) + ve reaction in the apical part of the principal cells with their cilia in the head region, where in the body region the PAS + ve reaction was condensed in the free border of the epithelium; and in the tail region the reaction was condensed in the free surface and the cytoplasm beneath it.

The Alcian blue at pH 2.5 (Ab 2.5) + ve reaction was condensed in the free surface with their cilia in the all regions.

The light cells showed PAS and Ab 2.5 + ve granules especially in the tail region.

In lectin stained tissue, the stained area was confined to the cilia, free surface, and the cytoplasm beneath it.