الفهرس 
Introduction and Aim of the WorkOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Introduction: Postnatal growth, size and function of the seminal vesicles are highly dependent on androgens hence their size and shape vary considerably in relation to age. Aim of the work: This study was done to clarify the histological and histochemical changes in the seminal vesicles in different age groups, and correlate these changes with those detected by TEM & SEM. Materials & methods: 75 male albino rats divided into 5 equal groups: newly born, juvenile, adult, mature and senile rats. The specimens were isolated and processed to obtain: H & E and Mallory trichrome stained sections, Fresh frozen sections for localization of acid phosphatase enzyme activity, Ultrathin sections to be examined by TEM, Coated samples with gold for SEM study. Results: Newly born rat seminal vesicle showed few simple mucosal folds. More folds were seen in juvenile rats. In the adult and mature rats the mucosa was highly folded and branched. While in senile rats the mucosal folds showed thinning and flattening. Collagenous fibres in the seminal vesicles increased relatively as the age of the rat proceeded. In newly born, juvenile and senile rats the acid phosphatase reaction was weak to moderate positive. However in adult and mature rats the reaction became strong positive. TEM examination in newly born and juvenile rats showed that the lining columnar cells had few short microvilli. It also showed few apical secretory granules and few poorly organized rER in newly born rats while in juvenile rats the secretory granules increased relatively with more rER. In adult and mature rats, the cells had long numerous microvilli, well developed rER and numerous apical secretory granules. While the cells of senile rats showed loss of microvilli, few secretory granules and some dilated cisternae of rER. Examination by SEM revealed also increase in folding of the mucosal surface and number of microvilli as the age proceeded until the senile group at which there was less evident mucosal folds and most of cells showed loss of microvilli. Conclusion: This study showed that there were histological, histochemical and ultrastructural changes in the rat seminal vesicle as the age proceeded. The secretory activity of the rat seminal vesicle increased progressively with age and showed marked deterioration with senility.