Background: Contractile activity of the muscular coat of the epididymis wall is considered the major driving force for the propulsion of sperm through the male reproductive tract. Methods: Region-specific changes in the status of membrane thiols and the free radical scavening potential of the male reproductive tract of the rat were observed. Results: The present study shows that the local biochemical milieu has some influence on the transport of spermatozoa through the male reproductive tract. The vas deferens showed a higher level of superoxide dismutase activity and a low profile of thiol exposure. Conclusion: We conclude that the strong scavenging potential and the lesser thiol exposure of the vas create an apparently inert vas lumen which facilitates the transit of spermatozoa through the vas.

Keywords:
Rat epididymis, Vas deferens, Spermatozoa, Thiol groups, Superoxide dismutase
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© 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel
2001
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