Figure 6

Histology of the efferent ductule epithelium in αERKO mouse. The wild-type (WT) ductule epithelium is columnar in shape with nonciliated cells that contain large spherical to oblong shaped nuclei (Nu) and extensive apical cytoplasm (double arrow). The nonciliated cell has a tall microvillus brush border (arrow) and extensive endocytotic apparatus. The ciliated cells have motile cilia (Ci) that extend into the lumen. The αERKO efferent ductule epithelium has a low cuboidal shape, with the apical cytoplasm reduced in size and the nucleus (Nu) also smaller. Microvilli are sparse on some cells (arrow) and reduced in height in other cells (circle). Bar = 10 μm.