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Cellular Interactions and the Blood-Epididymal Barrier

  • Chapter
The Epididymis: From Molecules to Clinical Practice

Abstract

The interactions among cells and between cells and the extracellular matrix represents a dynamic process involving cellular recognition, interaction of structural proteins and complex intracellular signalling pathways which we are only now beginning to understand. The complexity of reproductive organs is suggestive of a highly regulated communication system involving the nervous and endocrine systems, as well as finely tuned communication between the cells involved in gamete formation. The luminal environment of the epididymis is highly specialized with specific proteins, ions, pH, required for sperm maturation. Tight junctions between epididymal epithelial cells regulate this luminal environment and distinguish it from blood. Thus the regulation of epididymal tight junctions and the function and regulation of cadherins, cell adhesion molecules involved in adhering junction formation, are essential to understanding epididymal physiology. Gap junctions, also part of the epididymal junctional complex, establish communication between epididymal cells and therefore allow the coordination of luminal changes which are necessary for sperm maturation and storage.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Health Research Centre, INRS-Institut Armand Frappier, Université du Québec, Pointe Claire, Quebec, Canada

    Daniel G. Cyr, Kenneth Finnson, Julie Dufresne & Mary Gregory

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  1. Daniel G. Cyr
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  2. Kenneth Finnson
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  3. Julie Dufresne
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  4. Mary Gregory
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

    Bernard Robaire

  2. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

    Barry T. Hinton

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Cyr, D.G., Finnson, K., Dufresne, J., Gregory, M. (2002). Cellular Interactions and the Blood-Epididymal Barrier. In: Robaire, B., Hinton, B.T. (eds) The Epididymis: From Molecules to Clinical Practice. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0679-9_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0679-9_6

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