Histological and Morphometrical Studies on the Ampulla of the Deferent Duct of Donkey (Equus Asinus) in Different Seasons

Abstract

The objective of this study is to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the ampulla ductus defrentis during different seasons of the year. The experiment was carried out on the ampulla of the deferent duct of 24 sexually mature apparently healthy male donkeys (5 to 7 years) distributed over the four seasons of the year. Both the lamina epithelialis and the epithelium lining the ampullary glands of the donkey showed highly significant (P < 0.01) seasonal variations. The interstitial tissue/ glandular tissue ratio of the ampullary glands showed as seasonal variations. The glandular epithelium of the ampullary glands of donkey had strong PAS positive reaction. This reaction decreased gradually during summer and autumn to reach its minimal amount during winter. In conclusions, the ampullary glands of donkey appeared more active during spring and this activity decreased gradually during the summer and autumn to reach it lowest activity during winter.