AIMTo investigate the effect of adrenalectomy (ADX) on the epididymidis of Sprague-Dawley rats.

METHODSThe histological, biochemical (cholesterol protein, zinc, copper, alkaline and acid phosphatase aryl sulphatase, lactic dehydrogenase and leucine amino peptidase) and hormonal (FSH, LH and testosterone) changes of caput and cauda epididymis in ADX rats were observed.

RESULTSOrgan wet weight, histological studies and morphometric measurements indicated a cellular degeneration in caput and cauda epididymis of ADX rats. Serum testosterone level was significantly lower in ADX than in sham-operated rats, while the serum FSH and LH were below the detection limit of 1 mIU/mL. The enzymatic activity was higher in ADX than in sham-operated rats. Epididymal zinc level increased whereas copper level decreased in ADX rats compared to the sham-operated.

CONCLUSIONAdrenalectomy leads to degeneration of caput and cauda epididymidis epithelial cells as a result of decreased supply of testosterone.

Acid Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Adrenalectomy ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Arylsulfatases ; metabolism ; Cholesterol ; metabolism ; Copper ; metabolism ; Epididymis ; anatomy & histology ; metabolism ; physiology ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Leucyl Aminopeptidase ; metabolism ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Male ; Organ Size ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reference Values ; Testosterone ; blood ; Time Factors ; Zinc ; metabolism