# FUNCTION OF THE EPIDIDYMAL EPITHELIUM

> **NIH NIH R01** · COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY · 1994 · $169,588

## Abstract

The long-term objective of this research is to provide a means for
contraception by blocking development or maintenance of sperm fertilizing
ability in the epididymis.  A working model for regulation of epididymal
function was developed, and one of it's features is "sparing" of androgen
binding protein (ABP) while most bulk protein is removed in the proximal
excurrent duct system.  It is hypothesized that regulatory molecules
(ranging from ions to specific proteins or steroids) produced in nearby or
upstream cells control functions in 5 zones within the epididymis.
Consequently, the specific aims are:  (1) establish the dynamics of
androgen binding protein (ABP) secretion and/or uptake and recycling in the
excurrent ducts, and determine if there are receptors for ABP in the
epididymis, and (2) Determine if upstream-to-downstream signaling by
molecules in luminal fluid alters function of the epididymal epithelium,
and the nature of changes induced by deprivation of such signals.

Six major studies or experiments are outlined.  Studies the first 2.5 yr
will focus on the ABP system, and it should be considered as a model for
retention and use of other trace solutes of testicular or epididymal
origin.  In vivo studies will combine micropuncture, molecular biology and
electron microscopy to study secretion and endocytosis of ABP, and the
composition of luminal fluids.  In vitro studies will focus on
quantification and characterization of the postulated ABP receptor.  During
the last 1.5 yr, segments of the epididymal duct in rams will be isolated
by microsurgery to establish dependence of the epithelium on upstream
inputs.  The profile of secreted proteins and epithelial morphology will
serve as endpoints to monitor epithelial function 10 and 25 days after
elimination of luminal regulatory factors.  Cultured principal cells from
the cauda and caput epididymidis will be used to determine if a factor(s)
in luminal fluid entering the cauda supports epithelial function in terms
of 5alpha-reductase activity.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2197107
- **Project number:** 5R01HD014501-13
- **Recipient organization:** COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** LT9CXX8L19G1
- **Principal Investigator:** RUPERT P AMANN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $169,588
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1980-03-01 → 1995-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2197107

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2197107, FUNCTION OF THE EPIDIDYMAL EPITHELIUM (5R01HD014501-13). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2197107. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*