Immunohistochemistry of the human ductus epididymis

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Abstract
Our objective was to characterize epithelial cells, lamina propria, and sites of estrogen coupling in the caput, corpus, and cauda regions of the human epididymis using antibodies to cytokeratin types; epithelial membrane antigen; laminin; type IV collagen; vimentin; desmin‐, and estradiol‐receptor‐related protein; and immuno‐histochemical techniques. Principal cells immunostain by both AE1/AE3 antibodies (keratins 1–8, 10, 13–15, and 19) and anti‐pan‐keratin antibodies (keratin 5, 6, and 8). Immunoreactions to both anti‐keratin antibodies increase from the caput to the cauda epididymis. The principal cells only immunostained by antikeratin 19 antibodies in the cauda and showed no reaction to keratins 10 and 11. Basal cells and apical cells immunoreact to anti‐AE1/AE3, antipan‐keratin, and antikeratin 19 antibodies, but not to antikeratin 10 and 11 antibodies, in all three epididymal regions. The principal cells immunoreact with epithelial membrane antigen antibodies in the stereocilia and subjacent cytoplasm. This immunostaining decreased from the caput to the cauda. Antivimentin antibodies stained the apical cytoplasm of principal cells and limited areas of both principal cells and basal cells. This immunoreaction decreased from the caput to cauda. Apical cells immunostained in the three regions. Immunoreaction to ER‐D5 was moderate in the principal cells, basal cells, apical cells, and muscular coat cells in the cauda. The apical cells immunostained in the three regions. Antilaminin antibodies stained the epithelial basement membrane in the three regions. Type IV collagen was detected in the basement membrane as well as around the muscular coat cells in the three regions. Immunoreaction to desmin was intense in the muscular coat cells in the three regions. Thickness of the immunostained area for both type IV collagen and desmin increases from the caput to the cauda. The differences in immunostain pattern along the epididymis length seem to be related to regional differences in function.

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