Some histochemical observations on the epididymis of rat--a comparison with chronological events in testis.

Histological and histochemical changes (lipids, phospholipids, neutral polysaccharides, acid mucopolysaccharides and sialic acid) were studied in the rat at pre- and postpubertal stages. At 10 days lipid and phospholipid staining was not observed both in the testis and epididymis though neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides and sialic acid were demonstrable. By 21 days, lipid and phospholipid staining was present in moderate amounts both in testis and epididymis. There was also a slight increase in other parameters studied. Maximum histochemical staining for all the parameters was seen at 60 days when the testicular and further components were well organized and functional. These findings reveal that both the testis and epididymis follow a similar pattern of development and are possibly governed by a common controlling factor--the androgens.