[Presence of epithelial crypts in the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra L.) epididymis. Preliminary note]

The Authors refer the presence of epithelial crypts in the epididymis of chamois, previously described only in the bull by Nicander, in the camel by Singh, in the cat by Arrighi and in the roe-buck by Gentile et al. These crypts consist of cavities bored into the epithelium lining the epididymis and are rounded by the epithelial cells which are, sometimes, squamous and thin. Some crypts open into the lumen of the epididymis, some others crypt are filled with floccular, gelatinous material and, at times, with spermatozoa. The Authors think to undertake other morphological researches to find out the physiologic meaning of crypts, which could have an important role in the seasonal reproductive biology of wild ruminants.