Abstract
Until recently the epididymis was considered as a ‘passive channel’ through which the spermatozoa could leave the seminiferous tubules in order to be stored before being ejaculated. Recently the recognition that during the time of their passage through the epididymis the spermatozoa change from functionally immature cells unable to fertilize an egg to cells with full fertilizing capacity, thus achieving complete maturation1–3, has assigned to this organ a crucial role in the physiology of male reproduction. Because of this primary function, the epididymis must now be considered as an ‘active structure’, highly involved in the post-testicular maturation of spermatozoa. This observation has focussed interest on the epididymis as a possible target for pharmacological male contraception.
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