Light Microscopic Changes in The Epididymis of Different Age Groups of The African Greater Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck 1827)

[摘要] The mammalian epididymis is an important tubular epithelial structure with key functions in spermatozoa maturation and storage. There is a dearth of information on age-related changes in the light microscopic details of the epididymis in cane rat. This study evaluated light microscopic changes in the epididymis of different age groups of the African greater cane rats (AGCR) using histological, histochemical, and histomorphometric techniques. Twenty (20) African greater cane rats were used for this study. The rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups of 5rats each as i. prepubertal (≤4 months), ii. pubertal (>4≤12 months), iii. adult (>12≤30 months) and iv. aged (>30 months). Sequel to intra-cardiac perfusion with fixative (10% buffered formalin), routine histology, and histomorphometry using GIMP2 Software was carried out on the processed epididymal tissues. Also, the glycogen and connective tissue content of the epididymis of each group was demonstrated using Periodic-Acid Schiff and Masson Trichrome stains, respectively. The epididymis was lined by simple cuboidal epithelium in prepubertal compared to the pseudostratified columnar cells observed in others. Both Periodic-Acid Schiff and Masson Trichrome intensities were significantly higher in pubertal and adult rats relative to others. Histomorphometric parameters displayed a progressive age-related increase across the groups of cane rats. These sets of data could probably be associated with reproductive quiescence in the prepubertal and remarkable vigor more particularly in the adult cane rats investigated. Consequent upon this, adult cane rats are recommended for optimal breeding.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）

[关键词] Age;light microscopy;epididymis;cane rat