University of Virginia Health System

Terry T. Turner, PhD

Pathobiology of the testis and epididymis

The tubules of the male reproductive tract provide a specialized microenvironment for the development, maturation and storage of spermatozoa. Our laboratory is interested in the study of this microenvironment, the epithelia which produce it, and the biological mechanisms which support these epithelia under normal and pathological conditions. An important feature of our work is the utilization of in vivo micropuncture techniques which allow us to study how cells function in situ.

One of the principal interests of our laboratory is epididymal physiology and function. Currently, we are investigating the role of testicular factors, both androgen and protein, in the regulation of epididymal epithelial function. We hypothesize that intraluminal signal molecules from the testis other than androgens alone are important for the regulation of epididymal function. We are interested in determining which specific testicular factors may regulate not only protein synthesis and secretion, but other functions such as fluid reabsorption or ion transport.

Our laboratory is also interested in clinical lesions affecting the male reproductive tract. Currently,we are investigating the mechanisms of action of two phenomena: varicocele and spermatic cord torsion. Our approach is to investigate the vascular phenomena associated with these lesions as well as the effects of the lesions on specific cell types in the testis.

Representative publications

 

Turner, T.T., Miller, D.W. and Avery, E.A. 1995. Protein synthesis and secretion by the epithelium of the rat caput epididymis in vivo: influence of the luminal microenvironment. Biol. Reprod. 52:1012-1019.

Baker, L.A. and Turner, T.T. 1995. Leydig cells function after atrophy- inducing testicular torsion. J. Androl. 16:12-16.

Turner, T.T. and Brown, K.J. 1933. Spermatic cord torsion: loss of spermatogenesis despite return of blood flow. Biol. Reprod. 49:401-407.

Turner, T.T., Brown, K.J. and Spann, C.L. 1993. Testicular intravascular volume and microvessel mitotic activity: effect of experimental varicocele. J. Androl. 14:180-186.

Turner, T.T. and Yamamoto, M. 1992. Different mechanisms are responsible for 3H-androgen movement across the rat seminiferous and epididymal epithelia in vivo. Biol. Reprod. 45:358-364.