Histology of the testis and epididymis of two years old Philippine water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis L.)

摘要

The histology of the testes and epididymis of two years old Philippine water buffalo was described using various histological stains. The testis was enclosed by a capsule consisting of the visceral layer of the tunica vaginalis and the tunica albuginea. The tunica albuginea was thick and consisted of collagenous fibers and a few elastic fibers. Deep to the tunica albuginea was a vascular layer showing blood and lymphatic vessels. Majority of the seminiferous tubules still lacked lumen. The germinalepithelium was made up of sustentacular cells, spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. Spermatids were observed in tubules with lumen. The interstitial tissue was poorly developed. It consisted of a few interstitial cells, collagen fibers, fibroblast,lymphocytes and blood and lymphatic vessels. The epididymal duct was lined by a ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium, composed of tall columnar and basal cells. In addition, there were a few apical cells, clear cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes. The stereocilia of the principal columnar cells appeared taller, and more numerous in the head and body regions than in the tail region of the epididymis. The lumen and the smooth muscle layer appeared widest in the tail region. The study revealed that based on morphology, the epididymis appeared more mature than the testis. In as much as the majority of the seminiferous still lacked lumen and the spermatogonic cells were made up mostly of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes, it is recommendedthat two years old Philippine buffalo bulls should not yet be put to service.