Immunohistochemical and Biomolecular Identification of Orphanin FQ, eNOS, Atrial natriuretic Factor and Oxytocin in Rat Seminal Vesicles

Abstract

In previous studies performed on rodents, we detected the presence of adreno-cholinergic and peptidergic innervation in seminal vesicles and other organs of the male genital system, such as prostate and deferent duct, in which we also investigated the expression of NOS and NADPH-diaphorase. During this project, we focused our attention on the expression of some peptides involved in local control of smooth muscle relaxation, contractility, vasodilatation and control of blood flow in rat seminal vesicles. We investigated, through immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, the presence of four peptides: orphanin, eNOS, ANF and oxytocin. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the presence of the proteins, whereas RT-PCR analysis confirmed gene expression of orphanin, eNOS and ANF, but not oxytocin. In our opinion, orphanin, eNOS and ANF could have paracrine effects regulating the function of seminal vesicles, whereas oxytocin, which may reach this anatomical district through the blood flow, may have a hormonal action. This is a pilot study that, with further investigation, may allow to better clarify the role of these molecules in the control of seminal vesicle tissues' homeostasis.

Human umbilical cord expresses several vasoactive peptides involved in the local regulation of vascular tone: protein and gene expression of Orphanin, Oxytocin, ANP, eNOS and iNOS

“…Interestingly, we found Orphanin protein expression mainly in the vascular compartment, in the endothelium and in the longitudinal musculature of www.fhc.viamedica.pl the vessels. In the literature, there have been many studies concerning the role of Orphanin in vasorelaxation: proinflammatory and vasodilatation effects have been reported in the rat mesenteric microcirculation and Orphanin relaxed the porcine coronary arterial rings, as well as inhibiting PGF-2a-induced vasocontractility [20][21][22]. The Orphanin expression we identified in the vascular compartment of the umbilical cord suggests a role for this peptide in the regulation of vascular tone in this organ.…”