[Action of testosterone on 5'nucleotidase activity in the rat epididymal epithelium]

The epididymal epithelium of the rat has a 5'nucleotidasic activity, which is located in the basal cells and in the apical border of the principal cells. After bilateral castration, the pattern of this enzymatic activity is modified, but it is restored by a testosterone treatment. Bilateral castration abolished the apical activity of the epithelium, while the basal cells remained active. However different migratory aspects of basal cells seem to show their participation in the secretory function of the epithelium. Testosterone thus appears as a regulator for the basal cells activity and this would explain its role in the epididymal function.