Abstract
Summary
Possible epididymal sperm resportion in sexually active rabbits (six ejaculates of semen collected per week) was examined under conditions allowing for sperm accumulation in distended epididymides versus retention of sperm in various segments isolated by appropriately placed ligatures. As much as 85% of the sperm in the isolated caput underwent dissolution and resorption within 4 weeks (p<.01). In contrast there was no significant decline in the number of sperm retained in cauda epididymides by ligation over a 12-week period. Seventy-six to 89% of the sperm ejaculated from the control nonligated side could be accounted for by sperm accumulated in contralateral epididymides with vasoligations. These results suggest that epididymal resorption may be minimal in the sexually active rabbit.
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