Studies on the structure and histochemistry of the male reproductive tract of Aspiculuris tetraptera (Nematoda: Oxyuridea)

Abstract

The histological anatomy of the male reproductive tract as well as the cytochemistry of the cells of different regions of the male tract in Aspiculuris tetraptera are described.It is shown that there are at least three different regions of the vas deferens, each of which releases one or more substances into the lumen of the male system and thus contributes to the composition of the semen. The histochemical nature of these secretions is given and it is suggested that the secretions of the distal vas deferens are oxytocic.My thanks are due to Professor J. D. Smyth of the Australian National University, Canberra, for the gift of RNA-ase (L. Light and Co.) and some other histochemical reagents, to Dr T. R. R. Mann, C.B.E., F.R.S., and Dr D. L. Lee, for helpful discussions during the course of this study and for reading the draft manuscript.