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Le transit epididymo-deferentiel

Sperm transport through the epididymis and vas deferens

Abstract

The epididymis and vas deferens constitute not only a simple conduit for sperm transport but also play an important physiological role in the development of sperm fertilizing ability. The epithelial compartment plays a major functional role in determining the biochemical composition of the luminal fluid in which the spermatozoa undergo a series of structural, biochemical and metabolic changes. During epididymal transit spermatozoa acquire their capacity for motility and also their ability to attach and bind to the zona pellucida and fertilize the oocyte. In man, sperm maturation may occur in the extreme proximal region of the epididymis. The regulation of epididymal and vasa deferential function, as well as sperm maturation, are under androgenic control

Resume

Le conduit épididymo-déférentiel assure non seulement le transport mais l’acquisition du pouvoir fécondant des spermatozoïdes. Les fonctions du compartiment épithélial jouent un rôle déterminant dans la composition du liquide intraluminal dans lequel les spermatozoïdes subissent des modifications structurales, biochimiques et métaboliques. Durant le transit dans l’épididyme, les spermatozoïdes acquièrent leur mobilité et l’aptitude à se fixer sur la zone pellucide et à féconder l’ovocyte. Chez l’homme, la maturation des spermatozoïdes peut se produire dans la portion plus proximale du conduit épididymaire. La régulation des fonctiolls de l’épididyme et du canal déférent ainsi que la maturation des spermatozoïdes sont sous le contrôle des androgènes

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Dadoune, J.P. Le transit epididymo-deferentiel. Androl. 2, 44–47 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03034213

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