The apical mitochondria-rich cells of the mammalian epididymis

The morphology and function of the apical mitochondria-rich cells in the mammalian ductus epididymidis epithelium are revised. These cells are similar in all mammalian species studied. Apical mitochondria-rich cells are scarce (1-5 cells/100 principal cells) and are mainly found in the initial epididymal segments. Their morphology varies from slender cells that extend from the basal lamina to the epididymal lumen, to round cells that protrude into the lumen and are not in contact with the basal lamina. Their cytoplasm is more electron-dense than that of principal cells and contains more mitochondria which, in some species, are surrounded by rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. The adluminal cytoplasm displays a few short microvilli and contains many acid phosphatase positive vesicles. Apical mitochondria-rich cells differ from the principal cells in some histochemical features such as: (a) different lectin-staining pattern; (b) more intense reaction to the enzymatic activities: carbonic anhydrase, Ca(2+)-ATPase, peanut-agglutinin-sialidase, NADP dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, alpha-galactosidase and beta-galactosidase; (c) more intense immunoreaction to several cytokeratin types and to estradiol-related receptor protein; (d) weaker immunoreaction to epithelial membrane antigen and to retinol-binding protein. Although the function of the apical mitochondria-rich cells is still unknown, the following possible functions have been suggested: holocrine secretion; cooperation with the principal cells in epididymal reabsorption of testicular fluid; and acidification of epididymal fluid. Experimental results suggest that differentiation and maintenance of apical mitochondria-rich cells are not under androgen control and that these cells are sensitive to estrogen stimulation.