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Urology Jun 2022Vas deferens ectopia is a rare congenital anomaly associated with urinary tract and anorectal anomalies. It is important to recognize the complex embryology of the...
Vas deferens ectopia is a rare congenital anomaly associated with urinary tract and anorectal anomalies. It is important to recognize the complex embryology of the reproductive, urinary, and lower enteric systems to understand how these processes can go awry. As the ureteric bud arises from the mesonephric duct, a failure of the channel that connects the two to obliterate can produce an ectopic vas deferens connected to the ureter or bladder. We present a 2-month-old male with vas deferens ectopia. Our patient uniquely did not present with associated anorectal anomalies or urinary tract symptoms.
Topics: Anorectal Malformations; Choristoma; Humans; Infant; Male; Ureter; Urinary Bladder; Vas Deferens; Wolffian Ducts
PubMed: 35385775
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.03.017 -
International Braz J Urol : Official... 2016
Topics: Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Spermatozoa; Urologists; Vas Deferens; Vasectomy
PubMed: 27716455
DOI: 10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2016.05.03 -
Reproduction (Cambridge, England) Jan 2018Activin A regulates testicular and epididymal development, but the role of activin B in the epididymis and vas deferens is unknown. Mouse models with reduced activin A (... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Activin A regulates testicular and epididymal development, but the role of activin B in the epididymis and vas deferens is unknown. Mouse models with reduced activin A ( and ), or its complete absence (), were investigated to identify specific roles of activins in the male reproductive tract. In 8-week-old mice, serum activin A decreased by 70%, with a 50% reduction of gene expression and protein in the testis, epididymis and vas deferens. Activin B and the activin-binding protein, follistatin, were similar to wild-type. Testis weights were slightly reduced in mice, but the epididymis and vas deferens were normal, while the mice were fertile. Activin A was decreased by 70% in the serum, testis, epididymis and vas deferens of mice and was undetectable in mice, but activin B and follistatin levels were similar to wild-type. In 6-week-old mice, testis weights were 60% lower and epididymal weights were 50% lower than in either or wild-type mice. The cauda epididymal epithelium showed infoldings and less intra-luminal sperm, similar to 3.5-week-old wild-type mice, but at 8 weeks, no structural differences in the testis or epididymis were noted between and wild-type mice. Thus, can compensate for in regulating epididymal morphology, although testis and epididymal maturation is delayed in mice lacking Crucially, reduction or absence of activin A, at least in the presence of normal activin B levels, does not lead to major defects in the adult epididymis or vas deferens.
Topics: Animals; Epididymis; Gene Expression Regulation; Inhibin-beta Subunits; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Vas Deferens
PubMed: 29030492
DOI: 10.1530/REP-17-0485 -
Microscopy and Microanalysis : the... Apr 2023Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play key roles in controlling the morphological transformation of germ cells during spermatogenesis and posttesticular maturation of sperm....
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play key roles in controlling the morphological transformation of germ cells during spermatogenesis and posttesticular maturation of sperm. This study aims to reveal the presence and localization patterns of large adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent HSPs family members in adult domestic cat testis and excurrent ducts utilizing Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence techniques. The results indicated that the relative amounts of heat shock protein D1 (HSPD1)/HSP60, heat shock protein C (HSPC)/HSP90, and heat shock protein H (HSPH)/HSP105/110 were highest in the testis, while heat shock protein A (HSPA)/HSP70 was highest in the corpus epididymis. HSPs exhibited spermatogenic stage-dependent localization patterns in germ cells. Sertoli and Leydig cells were positive for other HSPs except for HSPC/HSP90. The tubules rectus and rete testis epithelia showed only HSPD1/HSP60 and HSPA/HSP70 immunoreactivity, while the ciliated cells of efferent ductules were positive for all HSPs. In the epididymis and vas deferens, HSPs localizations were cell and region specific. HSPD1/HSP60 was localized in the midpiece of the immature spermatozoa tail, while HSPA/HSP70 and HSP90 were found only in the proximal cytoplasmic droplet (CD). HSPH/HSP105 was observed in CD and the principal piece but not the midpiece. Overall, the different expression of HSPs throughout the domestic cat testis and excurrent ducts indicates their critical roles in maintaining reproductive functions under physiological conditions.
Topics: Cats; Male; Animals; Testis; Epididymis; Heat-Shock Proteins; Vas Deferens; Semen; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins
PubMed: 37749740
DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozac054 -
Turkish Journal of Urology Jan 2021This study aimed to determine whether the length of the excised obstructed vas deferens at vasovasostomy (VV) performed for fertility is associated with semen parameters...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine whether the length of the excised obstructed vas deferens at vasovasostomy (VV) performed for fertility is associated with semen parameters and/or pregnancy outcomes postoperatively.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The patients who underwent a VV at our institution from September 2004 to December 2018 were contacted via questionnaire and a chart review was performed. Linear and logistic regression models were used to determine the associations between the length of the obstructed vas deferens removed and postoperative outcomes including sperm concentration, motility, and successful pregnancy after reversal.
RESULTS
A total of 83/170 questionnaires were returned. After exclusions, a total of 35 patients were included for analysis. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 40.1 years and the mean time since vasectomy 9.3 years. The mean length of the obstructed vas deferens removed during VV was 2.25 cm. The longer the vas deferens segments removed, the more significant was the increase in sperm motility at 3 and 9 months postoperatively (p=0.011 and 0.008, respectively), but decreased sperm motility at 6 months (p=0.029). In 75.9% of the patients, sperm was present postoperatively, 23.2% achieved pregnancy through natural conception, and 55.8% achieved pregnancy using assisted reproductive techniques. There was no significant relationship between the length of the vas deferens removed and sperm concentration or pregnancy achieved after surgery.
CONCLUSION
In this cohort, the length of the excised obstructed vas deferens at VV was associated with improved sperm motility at 3 and 9 months postoperatively but not with pregnancy outcomes.
PubMed: 33085604
DOI: 10.5152/tud.2020.20266 -
Life Sciences Jun 2020Chronic stress leads to the development of male sexual problems such as ejaculatory dysfunctions. The rhythmic contractions of vas deferens (VD) play an important role...
AIMS
Chronic stress leads to the development of male sexual problems such as ejaculatory dysfunctions. The rhythmic contractions of vas deferens (VD) play an important role on the ejaculatory process. In the current study, we investigated whether infliximab (IFX) treatment has any beneficial effects on possible alterations in contractility of VD obtained from rats exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, control+IFX, UCMS and UCMS+IFX. IFX (5 mg/kg/week, i.p.) was administrated for 5 weeks during UCMS period. Depressive like-behaviors were evaluated using locomotor activity, forced swimming and sucrose consumption and preference tests. The blood was collected for serum biochemical determinations. VD tissues were harvested for functional studies and, measurements of oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers.
KEY FINDINGS
We observed increased serum concentration of corticosterone and depressive-like behaviors in rats exposed to UCMS. In VD tissues of UCMS-exposed rats, noradrenaline- and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced contractile responses significantly enhanced and electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contractile responses markedly decreased. UCMS exposure induced inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis in VD. However, IFX treatment significantly improved all the aforementioned parameters.
SIGNIFICANCE
The results of the present study revealed that chronic stress-induced depression caused VD dysfunction by promoting inflammation and oxidative stress in VD. IFX protected against VD dysfunction through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Biomarkers; Corticosterone; Depression; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ejaculation; Electromagnetic Fields; Glutathione; Inflammation; Infliximab; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Norepinephrine; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Stress, Physiological; Sucrose; Superoxide Dismutase; Vas Deferens
PubMed: 32173313
DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117545 -
Andrology Jan 2018Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) is found in 1% to 2% of males with infertility and is present in 6% of obstructive azoospermia cases. Nearly 95%... (Review)
Review
Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) is found in 1% to 2% of males with infertility and is present in 6% of obstructive azoospermia cases. Nearly 95% of men with cystic fibrosis (CF, an autosomal recessive disorder) have CBAVD. There are genetic links between CBAVD and CF. Some mutations in the gene encoding cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) can lead to CBAVD as a monosymptomatic form of CF. With the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), especially testicular or epididymal sperm aspiration, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and in vitro fertilization, it is possible that men with CBAVD can produce offspring. Therefore, genetic counseling should be offered to couples undergoing ART to discuss the probability of having offspring that carry CFTR gene mutations. The aim of this review was to present the main cause of CBAVD, to call attention to its implications for assisted reproduction, and to show the importance of genetic counseling for couples where men have CBAVD, as they can have offspring with a lethal disease.
Topics: Cystic Fibrosis; Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator; Genetic Counseling; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Male Urogenital Diseases; Vas Deferens
PubMed: 29216686
DOI: 10.1111/andr.12450 -
Andrology Nov 2022Rat isolated vas deferens releases 6-nitrodopamine (6-ND), and the spasmogenic activity of this novel catecholamine is significantly reduced by tricyclic compounds such...
BACKGROUND
Rat isolated vas deferens releases 6-nitrodopamine (6-ND), and the spasmogenic activity of this novel catecholamine is significantly reduced by tricyclic compounds such as amitriptyline, desipramine, and carbamazepine and by antagonists of the α -adrenergic receptors such as doxazosin, tamsulosin, and prazosin.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the liberation of 6-ND by human epididymal vas deferens (HEVDs) and its pharmacological actions.
METHODS
The in vitro liberation of 6-ND, dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline from human vas deferens was evaluated by LC-MS/MS. The contractile effect of the catecholamines in HEVDs was investigated in vitro. The action of tricyclic antidepressants was evaluated on the spasmogenic activity ellicited by the catecholamines and by the electric-field stimulation (EFS). The tissue was also incubated with the inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase L-NAME and the release of catecholamines and the contractile response to EFS were assessed.
RESULTS
6-ND is the major catecholamine released from human vas deferens and its synthesis/release is inhibited by NO inhibition. The spasmogenic activity elicited by EFS in the human vas deferens was blocked by tricyclic antidepressants only at concentrations that selectively antagonize 6-ND induced contractions of the human vas deferens, without affecting the spasmogenic activity induced by dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline in this tissue. Incubation of the vas deferens with L-NAME reduced both the 6-ND release and the contractions induced by EFS.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
6-ND should be considered a major endogenous modulator of human vas deferens contractility and possibly plays a pivotal role in the emission process of ejaculation. It offers a novel and shared mechanism of action for tricyclic antidepressants and α -adrenergic receptor antagonists.
Topics: Adrenergic Antagonists; Amitriptyline; Animals; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; Carbamazepine; Chromatography, Liquid; Desipramine; Dopamine; Doxazosin; Epinephrine; Humans; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Norepinephrine; Prazosin; Rats; Receptors, Adrenergic; Tamsulosin; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Vas Deferens
PubMed: 35934935
DOI: 10.1111/andr.13263 -
Journal of Visualized Experiments : JoVE Feb 2023The goal of this article is to present the application of a 24 G cannula and 3-0 polypropylene suture as a simple method for the exploration of the vas deferens. During...
The goal of this article is to present the application of a 24 G cannula and 3-0 polypropylene suture as a simple method for the exploration of the vas deferens. During the exploration of the vas deferens, a 24 G cannula needle was used to puncture it. The fluid in the smear confirmed the presence of sperm, to determine whether or not there was concomitant obstruction at the junction of the epididymis and the vas deferens. Then, a 3-0 polypropylene suture (this suture specification has the advantages of a smooth surface, robust quality, and can be passed through a 24 G cannula needle) was passed through the cannula needle to probe the location of the obstructed site. With this technique, exploration of the vas deferens could be more targeted and accurate.
Topics: Animals; Male; Vas Deferens; Polypropylenes; Cannula; Semen; Epididymis; Grasshoppers; Iodine; Sutures
PubMed: 36847364
DOI: 10.3791/63833 -
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.) May 2024The purpose of a standard terminology is to facilitate communication. Thus, changing the name of an anatomical structure or the meaning of an anatomical term undermines... (Review)
Review
The purpose of a standard terminology is to facilitate communication. Thus, changing the name of an anatomical structure or the meaning of an anatomical term undermines that aspiration and cuts connections with anatomy's long history. Two types of anatomical terms are the most vulnerable to logical arguments for revision-ones that are descriptive, but viewed, at least by some, as inaccurate, and ones that contain words that are polysemic or vague. A half dozen examples of each type are discussed, including ductus deferens, glandula seminalis, articulationes costochondrales, vulva and fascia. In general, traditional terms should be preserved, but judgments about which terms are traditional should be based on five centuries of modern anatomy, not just the past several decades.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Seminal Vesicles; Fascia; Communication; Ribs; Vulva; Anatomy
PubMed: 37377292
DOI: 10.1002/ca.24085