Endocrine control of the development and maintenance of sperm fertilizing ability in the epididymis.

Abstract

A review of endocrine control of the development and maintenance of sperm fertilizing ability in the epididymis is presented. Functional changes in epididymal spermatozoa androgen regulation of the epididymis and mechanism of the androgen regulation of sperm maturation and survival are the 3 main topics of discussion. The following tentative hypothesis is proposed: 1) products originating from the epididymal cells under androgen stimulation are secreted into the epididymal lumen where they affect sperm maturation and survival through a yet unknown mechanism and 2) after hypophysectomy and castration the almost immediate regression of the endoplasmic reticulum inhibits the secretory process and blocks sperm maturation.