AGE-RELATED COMPARATIVE CHANGES IN THE MORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF THE EPIDIDYMIS UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF CONSUMPTION OF DRINKING WATER WITH DIFFERENT CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of age-related morphometric changes in the epididymis under conditions of long-term consumption of drinking water with different chemical compositions. The investigation focused on the structural organization of the epididymal ducts, epithelial height, luminal diameter, stromal components, and sperm content in experimental animals of different age groups. It was established that the intake of highly mineralized water leads to significant morphometric alterations, including a decrease in epithelial height, expansion of the duct lumen, an increase in interstitial tissue volume, and a reduction in sperm accumulation. These changes were more pronounced in older animals, indicating an age-dependent decrease in adaptive and compensatory capacity. The findings demonstrate that both the chemical composition of drinking water and age are critical factors influencing the morphofunctional state of the epididymis.