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Histological, Histochemical, and Ultrastructural Approach to the Ductus Deferens in Male Nile Monitor Lizard (Varanus niloticus)

Part of: Micrographia Collection

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 June 2021

Mahmoud Awad Open the ORCID record for Mahmoud Awad [Opens in a new window] ,
Mohammed Alshehri  and
Ahmed Saad A. Hassaneen
Mahmoud Awad*
Affiliation:
Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena83523, Egypt
Mohammed Alshehri
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha61421, Saudi Arabia
Ahmed Saad A. Hassaneen
Affiliation:
Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena83523, Egypt
*
*Author for correspondence: Mahmoud Awad, E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

The ductus deferens is a fundamental part of the male genital tract and the continuation of the epididymal duct. As a male secondary sex organ, the ductus deferens plays a crucial role in the nourishment, storage, and maturation of spermatozoa. Some studies have provided information about the ductus deferens structure in reptiles; however, the full description of the ductus deferens remains to be clarified. The current study aimed to describe the Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus) ductus deferens from histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural perspectives. The results revealed that the ductus deferens is formed histologically from two main cell types: principal and basal. The principal cells were tall and filled with periodic acid Schiff (+)/alcian blue (−) cytoplasmic granules. The basal cells were found just above the basement membrane. By transmission electron microscopy, the principal cells exhibited typical protein-secreting cell features. Additionally, some intraepithelial cells, such as halo cells, undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, and agranular leukocytes, were identified. This study presents the first detailed description of the Varanus niloticus ductus deferens. Further immunohistochemical studies are required to explore the function(s) of the cellular components.

Keywords

agranular leukocyteductus deferenshalo cellmesenchymal cellmonitor lizardreptiles
Type
Micrographia
Information
Microscopy and Microanalysis , Volume 27 , Issue 4 , August 2021 , pp. 935 - 940
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Microscopy Society of America

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