Following freeze-fracture of the rat epididymis, a population of cells whose apical, but not baso-lateral, plasma membrane contains elongated intramembrane particles was found in the initial segment. From their size, shape and distribution, these cells are assumed to be the socalled apical cells of this segment. Apical cells also contain the enzyme, carbonic anhydrase which, together with the presence of rod-shaped particles on their membranes, permits their classification as ‘mitochondria-rich’ cells, a specialized cell type found in some transporting epithelia. On the basis of these observations, we suggest that the apical cells may play a role in fluid and/or electrolyte transport in the initial segment of the epididymis.

© 1980 by Company of Biologists
1980
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