Mullerian & Wolffian ducts

[Guest guest]

Just a bit of junior embryology here. An embryo starts out with two sets of

ducts that contribute to the sex organs: the Mullerian ducts and the

Wolffian (or mesonephric) ducts. They develop roughtly at the same time and

are associated with kidney formation, hence the increased frequency of

kidney problems associated with mullerian defects.

The Mullerian ducts persist in the female and form the female organs

(Fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and upper vagina), but the Wolffian ducts

give rise to the final set of kidneys and then basically shrivel up, leaving

only some snarly looking vestiges along the Fallopian tubes, contributing

nothing to the female organs' function.

In the male, it is the opposite; Mullerian ducts that shrivel up, while the

Wolffian ducts persist. As in the female, the Wolffian ducts give rise to

the final two kidneys, but in the male they also form the seminiferous ducts

that carry sperm from the testes to the lower urinary tract.

Both these sets of tubes form and develop at the same time, and are linked

fairly intimately with the kidneys, so it is easy to see how kidney

anomalies (missing kidney, double ureter, oddly placed ureter, fused

kidneys) often accompany the sex organ anomalies.

There is another link with the Wolffian ducts to the head, mainly to the

ear. Remember when I reported that a third of women with Mullerian

anomalies also have a bit of nerve deafness in the ear on the affected side?

For some reason, malformations of the eyes, ears, chin, and nose are

associated with Wolffian malformations, though the problems are notable only

in cases of total absence of the kidneys.

As a side note, males can have persistent Mullerian structures, though there

is no real problem associated with this, if I recall correctly. Every male

has a tiny " uterus masculinus " located along the urethral tract, but in some

rare instances, a rather large, rudimentary set of tubes and uterus can be

found located behind the bladder. Weird, huh?

Beth

--

The Congenital Uterine Anomalies Home Page

http://www.wegrokit.com/uterineanomalies/

[Guest guest]

> For some reason, malformations of the eyes, ears, chin, and nose are

> associated with Wolffian malformations, though the problems are

notable only

> in cases of total absence of the kidneys.

Hey Beth,

I found this in the " archives " and was interested. I have an eye

malformation on the side of my UD that's smaller and off-center. I do

have both my kidneys, but I'm undergoing kidney-function tests now.

My maternal uncle was born with 1 abnormal & non-funtioning kidney so

I'm interested in the genetic possibilities here. Do you know where I

can get more info?

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

,

How did your doctor discover that you have only one kidney? I recall that my

gyn-ob had me evaluated for bladder or kidneys with ultrasound when she

discovered that I had a double uterus 10 years ago. I can't find that report

in my file. I'll try to keep looking for it and let you know what the report

says. I recall that everything was normal but not sure if that was the

bladder or kidneys.

Do you have any symptoms for only one kidney? Do you urinate frequently even

if the bladder is not full?

Rita

[Guest guest]

The following statements make me wonder, are you undergoing kidney

tests just because you are UD or have you been having problems with

your kidneys???

None of my doctors have ever even mentioned the fact that kidney

problems could occur with women with uterian abnormalities???

Just Curious??? Should I ask about this???

> > For some reason, malformations of the eyes, ears, chin, and nose

are

> > associated with Wolffian malformations, though the problems are

> notable only

> > in cases of total absence of the kidneys.

>

> Hey Beth,

> I found this in the " archives " and was interested. I have an eye

> malformation on the side of my UD that's smaller and off-center. I

do

> have both my kidneys, but I'm undergoing kidney-function tests now.

> My maternal uncle was born with 1 abnormal & non-funtioning kidney

so

> I'm interested in the genetic possibilities here. Do you know where

I

> can get more info?

> Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

The following statements make me wonder, are you undergoing kidney

>tests just because you are UD or have you been having problems with

>your kidneys???

>

>None of my doctors have ever even mentioned the fact that kidney

>problems could occur with women with uterian abnormalities???

>

>Just Curious??? Should I ask about this???

I have a septate uterus and vagina & 2 cervices, and I have only 1 kidney.

Yes this is common with Mullerian Anomalies, because of the relationship in

development of the urinary-genital organs. I have had an IVP to check on my

kidney function, which is fine.

Anybody else with only one kidney?

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[Guest guest]

Hi Rita,

I was diagnosed with septate uterus 8 years ago(age of 21)when I had an

ultrasound after my Dr. thought I may have an ovarian cyst. I remember the

ultrasound technician saying that she couldn't find my other kidney. I

don't know if this was before or after she noticed something " different "

about my uterus, because I didn't hear about that from the tech., I heard

about it from my Dr. at the follow up appointment. Then I was told about my

uterine anomaly, and that the one kidney was related.

I haven't had any symptoms other than I ALWAYS have to pee, but my Dr. back

then said this has nothing to do with it, and that my one kidney is a lot

larger than usual. But I haven't ever asked that question to another Dr.

The IVP test came back normal, so I guess the only concern would be to lose

a kidney in an accident. I don't wear a medic alert bracelet, but I met a

women on the internet who has a BU and 1 kidney, and her Dr. was adamant

about the medic alert bracelet.

I would also like to see my file, I haven't asked for it yet, but I guess

that it is my right to see it.

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[Guest guest]

I underwent kidney function tests because I have unexplained high -

very high, actually - blood pressure. Went to the md today, though,

and my kidneys appear fine. Unfortunately that means we're no closer

to an explanation about the bp. More visits & tests to come, I'm sure!

[Guest guest]

I underwent kidney function tests because I have unexplained high -

very high, actually - blood pressure. Went to the md today, though,

and my kidneys appear fine. Unfortunately that means we're no closer

to an explanation about the bp. More visits & tests to come, I'm sure!