FATE AND COMPOSITION OF CYTOPLASMIC DROPLET OF HAMSTER EPIDIDYMAL SPERMATOZOA

Observations on sperm maturation in the hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) epididymis revealed that the cytoplasmic droplet migrates from the pr oximal position of the sperm flagellum to the end of the midpiece. Thi s process begins in the testis or vas efferens and ends in the cauda r egion of the epididymis. A study of different regions of the epididymi s and vas deferens demonstrated that the cytoplasmic droplet is not re leased from the sperm into the luminal fluid. An ultrastructural study of the cytoplasmic droplet demonstrated changes in its morphology as its position moved distally along the midpiece. Membranous components called saccules or vesicles, believed to be remnants of the Golgi appa ratus present in the cytoplasmic droplet, changed their morphology dur ing the migration process. Inclusion bodies within vesicles were relea sed to the lumen at the levels of the cauda epididymis and the vas def erens. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.