Androgen Binding Protein (ABP) in Fluids Collected from the Rete Testis and Cauda Epididymidis of Sexually Mature and Immature Rabbits and Observations on Morphological Changes in the Epididymis Following Ligation of the Ductuli Efferentes1

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Abstract
Fluids entering and leaving the epididymis were obtained from sexually mature and immature rabbits and examined for the presence of androgen binding protein (ABP). In mature animals and in immature animals in which fluid secretion by the testis had begun, estimated concentrations of the binding moiety in rete testis fluid were similar. In contrast, ABP concentrations in fluids from the cauda epididymidis varied considerably; in immature males the ABP concentration was much higher than that in rete testis fluid, but fell drastically to lower levels at sexaul maturity. The androgen binding moiety in both fluids at both stages of development was shown to have similar specificities for steroids. The variability in ABP concentration that was observed was not a function of either the method used or of endogenous steroids present in the fluids. The histological studies suggest that the normal morphological characteristics of the proximal region of the epididymis of the maturing male rabbit are dependent upon passage of fluid of testicular origin through its lumen. Explanations for the differences in ABP concentration in the fluid from the cauda epididymidis of immature and adult rabbits are discussed, as are possible functions of ABP.

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