Rejuvenation of epididymal principal cells by prolactin under androgen deficiency

Influence of prolactin on the ultrastructure of principal cells lining the epididymal epithelium was investigated in Wistar rats. Orchidectomy produced degenerative changes suggesting that structural integrity of principal cell is maintained by factors originating in the testis. The atrophic changes in the principal cell of ordhidectomised rats were significantly reversed when prolactin was administered to these animals. The number of cells that responded were found to increase with the dose of prolactin injected. On the otherhand, bromocryptine treatment did not appreciably change the ultrastructure of principal cells in orchidectomised rats. Results suggest that prolactin may have a rejuvenating epididymal principal cells in androgen deficient states.