Testicular regulation and sub-cellular distribution of zinc in the epididymis and vas deferens of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta).

The zinc concentration in the epididymis (caput, corpus and cauda regions), vas deferens and caudal lobe of prostate of adult rhesus monkeys was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Zinc content (microgram/g wet weight) was found to be maximum in the prostate (709 micrograms) followed by epididymis and vas deferens. The three segments of the epididymis did not differ from one another in their zinc content (165-177 micrograms). On a protein basis maximum concentration of zinc was present in the nuclear fraction followed by microsomal, cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions in that order. Ligation of testicular efferent ducts or castration 90 days prior to autopsy caused a marked reduction in zinc concentration in different sub-cellular fractions of the organs examined; castration was relatively more effective in this regard. The importance of androgen and other testicular products in controlling zinc content and the possible physiological role of zinc in the male genital tract are discussed.