| Popis: |
The epididymal microenvironment continuously changes as the sperm move from the proximal to the distal epididymis (Turner, 1991). At any point along the duct, the luminal environment is the result of net secretory and absorptive activities of the epithelium, both at that point and at all proximal points. The microenvironment consists of water, inorganic ions, small organic molecules, and organic macromolecules (proteins). The present chapter focuses on the inorganic ions and small organic molecules; a separate chapter addresses epididymal proteins (see Chapter by Dacheux and Dacheux). Also, separate chapters on ion transport systems (see Chapter by Wong et al.) and reactive oxygen ions (see Chapter by Aitken) will cover these aspects; these will not be discussed here. |
