Differential Effects of Androgens on the Morphlogy of Guinea Pig Seminal Vesicle Epithelia

Scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations of uncastrated, castrated, testosterone proprionate and 5a-androstane- 3a-176-diol treated guinea pigs suggested a differential hormone replacement effect on the morphology of the seminal vesicle epithelium. The lumenal surface, cytoplasmic volume, organelle volume, and cellular structure of the seminal vesicles changed radically following castration. This study showed that microvilli were maintained by the cells following orchiectomy, although the microvilli were essentially confined to peripheral cell surfaces. After commencement of androgen / supplementation to castrate guinea pigs, studies of tissue samples ^ provided examples of distinct cytological responses. Analysis of the / / tissues following treatment indicated that both hormones stimulated I the return of microvilli to the lumenal surface and increased cellular volume. However, the epithelium exhibited a greater response to \ 5a-androstane-3a-173-diol than to testosterone proprionate as verified by stereological analysis.