Smooth Muscle of the Male Reproductive Tract

Klinge, Erik; Sjöstrand, Nils O.

doi:10.1007/978-3-642-78920-5_14

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 189 publications

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“…The erectile response to ACh in dogs was shown to be completely abolished by endothelial destruction (Trigo-Rocha et al 1993). ACh and other agents, and also shear stress, release NO from vascular endothelium, and endothelial NO may also contribute to relaxant responses in erectile tissue (Andersson 1993, Klinge & Sjostrand 1994. It is also important to note that other transmitters, such as NO and neuropeptides, may be released from cholinergic nerves, and that these agents glandis (Miller et al 1964).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution and function of nitric oxide‐containing nerves in canine corpus cavernosum and spongiosum

Hedlund¹,

Larsson²,

Alm³

et al. 1995

Acta Physiologica Scandinavica

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Specimens of penile erectile tissue from the corpus cavernosum (CC) and corpus spongiosum (CS) of beagle dogs were investigated with reference to morphological and functional aspects of the nitric oxide (NO) system. Using immunohistochemistry, the smooth muscle bundles of the CC were found to contain a rich innervation, as seen by the pan-neuronal marker, protein gene product 9.5. A large number of nerves also stained positively for acetylcholine esterase. There was a moderate to rich supply of nerves containing NO synthase, which was frequently co-localized with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. CS preparations from the proximal penis (the spongious bulb) had an innervation similar to that of the CC. However, CS preparations from the distal penis had a distinctly lower density of nerves than the proximal part, and spongious tissue from the glans penis was practically devoid of nerves. In isolated preparations of proximal and distal CC and CS, contracted by noradrenaline, electrical field stimulation (EFS) produced frequency-dependent relaxations. The responses were less pronounced in preparations from the distal penis, particularly in the CS. Pre-treatment with the NO-synthesis inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine abolished all relaxations. Carbachol effectively relaxed noradrenaline-contracted strips. The responses were similar in proximal preparations from the CC and CS, and significantly less pronounced in strips from the distal penis. NG-nitro-L-arginine significantly reduced the relaxant effect of carbachol. Preparations of spongious tissue from the glans penis did not react to high potassium solution, addition of noradrenaline, or EFS. The results demonstrate regional differences within the CS, both in innervation and functional responses.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution and function of nitric oxide‐containing nerves in canine corpus cavernosum and spongiosum

Hedlund¹,

Larsson²,

Alm³

et al. 1995

Acta Physiologica Scandinavica

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“…The relaxation necessary for erection requires the removal of contractant factors, the release of relaxant factors, or, most probably, both of the above [4]. It has been suggested that the etiology of erectile dysfunction in some patients may be related to heightened corporal smooth-muscle tone or impaired smooth-muscle relaxation [66].Many endogenous factors are involved in the maintenance of tone and in the relaxation of penile smooth muscles (Tables 1, 2), and their roles in penile physiology have been the subject of several recent reviews [3,5,6,23,27,44,45,66]. However, new information is accumulating, and recent findings on the effects and possible importance of some contractant and relaxant factors in penile tissues are briefly discussed in this review.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Neurotransmission and the contraction and relaxation of penile erectile tissues

Andersson

Stief

1997

World J Urol

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The balance between contractant and relaxant factors controls the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum and determines the functional state of the penis (detumescence and flaccidity versus tumescence and erection). Noradrenaline contracts both the corpus cavernosum and penile vessels, mainly via stimulation of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors. Recent investigations have demonstrated the presence of several subtypes of alpha 1-adrenoceptors (alpha(1A), alpha(1B), and alpha(1D)) in the human corpus cavernosum and also that the noradrenaline-induced contraction in this tissue is probably mediated by two or, possibly, three receptor subtypes. Even if much of the available in vitro information suggests that endothelins (ETs) may be of importance for mechanisms of detumescence and flaccidity, the role of the peptides in the control of penile smooth-muscle tone in vivo is unclear, as is the question as to whether they can contribute to erectile dysfunction. For further evaluation of the clinical importance of ETs in penile physiology and pathophysiology, clinical studies on ET-receptor antagonists would be of interest. Neurogenic nitric oxide (NO) has been considered the most important factor for relaxation of penile vessels and the corpus cavernosum, but recent studies in mice lacking neurogenic NO synthase (NOS) have shown these animals to have normal erections. This focuses interest on the role of endothelial NOS and on other agents released from nerves or endothelium. For the time being the most effective means of inducing penile erection in men involves the intracavernous administration of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1 may act partly by increasing intracellular concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Recent results obtained with the adenylate cyclase stimulator forskolin suggest that penile smooth-muscle relaxation leading to penile erection can be achieved through the cAMP pathway. Thus, transmitters and agents acting through this second-messenger system may significantly contribute to relaxation of penile smooth muscle and to erection.

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“…Smooth muscles within the male reproductive tract contract rhythmically to propel sperm along the tract. Their intrinsic activity ensures sperm movement even without neural input, underscoring the redundancy and resilience of the system [12]. While the autonomic nervous system does not directly control rhythmic contractions for sperm propulsion, it does modulate and coordinate these contractions alongside other critical functions throughout the sexual response [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Insights on Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor α-Positive Interstitial Cells in the Male Reproductive Tract

Hiroshige,

Uemura,

Nakamura

et al. 2024

IJMS

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Male infertility is a significant factor in approximately half of all infertility cases and is marked by a decreased sperm count and motility. A decreased sperm count is caused by not only a decreased production of sperm but also decreased numbers successfully passing through the male reproductive tract. Smooth muscle movement may play an important role in sperm transport in the male reproductive tract; thus, understanding the mechanism of this movement is necessary to elucidate the cause of sperm transport disorder. Recent studies have highlighted the presence of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα)-positive interstitial cells (PICs) in various smooth muscle organs. Although research is ongoing, PICs in the male reproductive tract may be involved in the regulation of smooth muscle movement, as they are in other smooth muscle organs. This review summarizes the findings to date on PICs in male reproductive organs. Further exploration of the structural, functional, and molecular characteristics of PICs could provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of male infertility and potentially lead to new therapeutic approaches.

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Smooth Muscle of the Male Reproductive Tract

Cited by 9 publications

References 189 publications

Distribution and function of nitric oxide‐containing nerves in canine corpus cavernosum and spongiosum

Distribution and function of nitric oxide‐containing nerves in canine corpus cavernosum and spongiosum

Neurotransmission and the contraction and relaxation of penile erectile tissues

Insights on Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor α-Positive Interstitial Cells in the Male Reproductive Tract

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