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Epididymis - Sperm Stasis

Image of sperm stasis in the epididymis from a male B6C3F1 mouse in a chronic study
Epididymis - Sperm Stasis. Ducts filled with sperm in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study.
Figure 1 of 4
Image of sperm stasis in the epididymis from a male B6C3F1 mouse in a chronic study
Epididymis - Sperm Stasis. Higher magnification of Figure 1 showing ducts filled with sperm in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study.
Figure 2 of 4
Image of sperm stasis in the epididymis from a male B6C3F1 mouse in a subchronic study
Epididymis - Sperm Stasis. Sperm stasis is present on the left and ducts without sperm on the right in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a subchronic study.
Figure 3 of 4
Image of sperm stasis in the epididymis from a male F344/N rat in a chronic study
Epididymis - Sperm Stasis. Sperm stasis is present on the left and atrophic epididymal ducts on the right in a male F344/N rat from a chronic study.
Figure 4 of 4
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comment:

Sperm stasis is most commonly seen in the cauda epididymis following cessation of sperm production by the testis. Sperm become sequestered in the caudal ducts and are intensely eosinophilic ( Figure 1image opens in a pop-up window , Figure 2image opens in a pop-up window , and Figure 3image opens in a pop-up window ). The more proximal ducts are generally empty of sperm. Sperm stasis also occurs in the caput and efferent ducts as a result of obstructive lesions. In Figure 4image opens in a pop-up window , the sequestered sperm are basophilic. Sperm stasis may progress to sperm granuloma if the epithelial lining is breached and sperm gain access to the interstitium.

recommendation:

Sperm stasis should be recorded and graded and should be discussed in the pathology narrative if the incidence and/or severity appears to be related to chemical administration. Bilateral should be indicated when both epididymides are involved, with severity grade based on the more severely affected epididymis. Correlation with any spermatogenic disturbances should be noted in the pathology narrative to aid interpretation.

references:

Creasy D, Bube A, de Rijk E, Kandori H, Kuwahara M, Masson R, Nolte T, Reams R, Regan K, Rehm S, Rogerson P, Whitney K. 2012. Proliferative and nonproliferative lesions of the rat and mouse male reproductive system. Toxicol Pathol 40:40S-121S.
Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22949412