Postnatal differentiation of the enzymatic activity of the mouse epididymis.

Dehydrogenase and hydrolase activities were assessed histochemically during postnatal development of the mouse epididymis. At birth the activities of various enzymes were demonstrable along the epithelium at the same intensity. Variations occurred in the intensity of enzyme activities in principal cells, leading to regional differentiation which progressed according to an ascending pattern from the distal part (2nd week) to the medial and proximal parts (3rd week). The proximal part reached its definitive differentiation at the 4th week when the 5 segments characteristic of the adult state were distinguishable. At the same time, 3 types of "apical cells" (narrow, prominent and mitochondria-goblet cells) in the proximal part and "clear cells" in the medial and distal parts showed higher activity of several enzymes (dehydrogenases, acid phosphatase, Ca2+-ATPase) than did adjacent principal cells. This histochemical data has led us to propose a model for epididymal cell differentiation in the mouse. The role of androgens in the development of those regional differences is discussed.