Nerve and Glial Cell Expressions in the Testes and Epididymides of Different Age Groups of Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus).

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the variations in the expressions of neuronal and glial cell markers in the testes and epididymides of different age groups of cane rat using histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques.

METHOD: Thirty (32) healthy domesticated male cane rats were used for this investigation. The rats were divided into four groups (prepubertal [≤4 months], pubertal (>4 ≤12 months), adult (>12 ≤30 months), and aged (>30 months)] of 8 animals each. Subsequent to anesthesia and intracardiac perfusion of the rats with 10% buffered formalin, testes were harvested and preliminary assessment of nervous and glial structures was determined using the Golgi technique. Specific immunolocalization was done using the anti-neurofilament (NF-20) and anti-glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) for the expressions of neuronal and astrocyte-like cells, respectively.

RESULT: Neuronal and astrocyte-like structures as revealed by the Golgi procedure were demonstrated in the tunica albuginea and interstitium of the testes as well as in the periductal muscle coat and epididymal interstitium of the caput down to the caudal segments. Golgi signal intensities of the expressions in both testes and epididymides increased with age advancement. Immunolocalization of the nerve structures and glial cells tallied with the Golgi results. However, NF signal intensity was significantly higher in the adult relative to others. Similarly, GFAP signal intensity increased with age increment.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown that the variation in the expression of neuronal and glial cells in the testis and epididymis of the cane rat could be associated with increased reproductive reproductive activity.