Carbonic Anhydrase Localization in the Epididymis and Testis of the Rat: Histochemical and Biochemical Analysis1

Abstract

Carbonic anhydrase is demonstrated in the rat epididymis and testis by histochemical techniques and in the epididymis by biochemical assay. Enzyme activity is present along the entire length of the epididymal duct but is restricted to certain kinds of cells. In the zone where acidification of epididymal fluid occurs (initial segment), the apical cells are distinctively active, thus suggesting a possible function for this cell type. In more distal regions of the epididymis and in the vas, individual cuboidal cells are rich in this enzyme. Interstitial tissue of perfused testes also shows carbonic anhydrase activity confirming the biochemical studies by others showing testicular carbonic anhydrase activity.