Inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopic and flame photometric analysis of goat epididymal fluid

Aim: The elemental composition of the epididymal luminal fluid (ELF) in adu lt goat (Capra indica) was investigated. Methods: ELF was collected by micr opuncture from twelve sites along the epididymal duct. The elemental conten ts was analyzed with inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectroscopy , a microanalytical technique that can simultaneously measure many elements in minute volumes of sample. The Na and K concentrations were determined b y name photometry. Results: ICP spectroscopy showed the presence of copper, calcium, nickel, iron, magnesium, chromium, titanium and zinc in ELF, with fluctuating levels at different sites along the length of the epididymis. Cadmium, cobalt, lead and manganese were not found. The Na+/K+ ratio was se en to be higher at the initial segments of the epididymis and lower at the distal. Conclusion: It is proposed that the observed characteristic distrib ution of elements in ELF may have far reaching implications in sperm matura tion and storage known to occur in the epididymis.