Localization of total proteins and lactate dehydrogenase in hamster epididymis

The concentration of total protein measured by photocolorimetric methodology and reported as units per 100 mg of tissue decreased from the initial segment to the cauda epididymidis of the Golden hamster, being significant the numeric difference observed between these two regions. This observation was related with an increased synthesis and secretion of proteins to the lumen in proximal segments of the epididymidis duct, mainly in initial segment, as proposed for other rodents. LDH activity was higher in initial segment and distal cauda than in the caput and corpus epididymidis, although no significant differences in mean values had been observed. The high LDH activity observed in initial segment and cauda epididymidis of hamster had been related to an expressive epithelium metabolic activity presented in these regions. This metabolic activity help to guarantee the survival of spermatozoa stored in cauda epididymidis. Furthermore, lower LDH activity noted in the caput and corpus epididymidis might be related with a progressive reduction of glycolysis in initial maturation step of spermatozoa mainly verified in corpus epididymidis. © 2007 Sociedad Chilena de Anatomía.