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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa
Published on: December 30, 2014
Fertility and electrolyte composition of the rat cauda epididymal plasma and spermatozoa before and after castration
Abstract:
Attempts have been made to assess the changes in Na+ and K+ concentrations in the cauda epididymal plasma and spermatozoa, and to correlate these parameters to changes in fertility shortly after castration in the rat. Fertility was markedly decreased 3 days after androgen withdrawal. By contrast, spermatocrit and Na+ concentration in spermatozoa were increased on day 2 post-castration. Neither Na+ and K+ concentrations in the plasma nor K+ inside spermatozoa were altered. The results are discussed in terms of a reduction in the epididymal secretion of macromolecules which are responsible for an increase in net Na+ influx into sperm cells.
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