Abstract
The spermatic ducts (vasa deferentia) of 235 otters (Lutra lutra) found dead between 1999 and 2012 in Sweden were examined for presence of paraductular cysts. Single or multiple elongated uni- or bilateral cysts parallel to the spermatic duct were noted in 72% of the examined males. The cysts were adjacent to, but did not communicate with the lumen of the spermatic duct, and were usually located within a few centimeters of the testis and epididymis. The cysts are proposed to be congenital Müllerian duct remnants. Other morphologic abnormalities in the reproductive organs were not noted within this study. Possible causes of the incomplete regression of the embryonic female gonadal duct are exposure to environmental contaminants such as elevated concentrations of estrogen-like compounds (endocrine disrupting chemicals), inbreeding, or a naturally occurring anatomic defect. No obvious geographical pattern was observed for otters with or without cysts. This is the first study and description of cysts on the spermatic duct in otters.
Highlights
Increasing developmental abnormalities and lesions on the reproductive tract have been observed in a number of species, including humans, for example testicular cancer, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, poor testicular development and function, disorders of sex differentiation and decreased semen quality [1,2,3]
There is evidence that these male reproductive disorders can be caused by endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during fetal stage
In polar bears (Ursus maritimus), there was a significant inverse relationship between organohalogens and testis and baculum size as well as a decreased baculum mineral density correlated to elevated concentrations of some organochlorines [6]
Summary
Increasing developmental abnormalities and lesions on the reproductive tract have been observed in a number of species, including humans, for example testicular cancer, cryptorchidism (undescended testis), hypospadias (congenital malformation of the urethra), poor testicular development and function, disorders of sex differentiation and decreased semen quality [1,2,3]. Many males were observed to have one or several cysts on the spermatic duct, leading from the testes to the penis. Cysts on the spermatic ducts in humans and in other animal species can have various origins that can be difficult to pinpoint, but are usually presented as being remnants of embryonic female gonadal ducts (Müllerian ducts) that have not undergone full regression [16].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
