The Effect of Vasectomy on the Absorptive Function of the Cauda Epididymis in Rats

Lee, Sun Ho; Kim, Kee Soo

Abstract

It has been shown that spermatogenesis continues after vasectomy, but the fate of sperms which seem to be continuously produced is still uncertain. Some authors postulated that non-ejaculated spermatozoa after vasectomy disappear by a progress of dissolution and reabsorption in the epididymis. According to Ryoo and Kim's observation of sperm-acrosome by electron microscope after vasectomy in rats, vasectomy might effect destructive changes in the acrosome of the non-ejaculated spermatozoa. Choi and Kim reported that the seminal vesicle might produce a certain substance which enhance the spermatozoa to be dissolved and reabsorbed in the epididymis after vasectomy. To observe the effects of vasectomy on the absorptive function of the epididymis in vasectomized rats, we measured the time for the disappearance of 0.01cc indigo carmine which was injected into the cauda epididymis. The results are as follows: 1. The mean absorptive time in the normal group was 371+/-75.7 min. 2. The mean absorptive time in the vasectomized group was 257.4+/-28.6 min. 3. The absorptive activity in the epididymis of vasectomized rats was significantly more rapid than in the epididymis of the normal rats.