COEXPRESSION OF DIFFERENT CYTOKERATINS, VIMENTIN AND DESMIN IN THE RETE TESTIS AND EPIDIDYMIS IN THE DOG

The expression patterns of low and high molecular weight cytokeratins (LCK and HCK) vimentin and desmin were investigated by immunocytochemi stry in the rete testis and epididymis in the dog. The epithelium of t he rete testis displayed coexpression of LCK, vimentin and desmin. The epithelium of the efferent ductules was composed of ciliated and nonc iliated cells; the ciliated cells expressed LCK strongly. The epitheli um of the epididymal duct was composed of principal, apical and basal cells. Principal cells in the duct of the head of the epididymis displ ayed LCK and vimentin, with a predominance of LCK in the apical cytopl asmic regions and vimentin in the basal portions of the cells. Express ion of vimentin in the principal cells decreased towards the body of t he epididymis and disappeared in the tail region, where LCK remained u nchanged. Apical cells of the epididymal duct expressed LCK. Basal cel ls in the duct of the head and body of the epididymis showed LCK and t hose of the duct of the body of the epididymis also HCK expression.