[Ultrastructural study in the epididymis of vasectomized hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)]

Electron microscopy studies on the epididymal epithelium and lumen contents of hamster between 3 and 14 months after vasectomy, showed ultrastructural changes in the clear cells and spermatozoids within the lumen. These changes on the clear cells were as follows: accumulation of electron dense bodies of irregular forms distributed between luminal and basal zones of clear cells, presence of large vacuoles of low electron density and a loss of stereocilia; flattening of luminal border and emission of projections toward the lumen. Spermatozoid population was low within the lumen and is accompanied by large amounts of detritic material. Most of the gametes were destroyed. A variety of abnormal forms of spermatids were observed in advanced maturation stage.