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Trajano FMG, Gomes LTDC, Dantas PB, Sena MOD, Oliveira JIN, Ventura S, Gavioli EC, da Silva Junior ED. Effects of histamine on the contractility of the rat distal cauda epididymis. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 945:175603. [PMID: 36804548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
The motor activity of the epididymis duct is an essential process for male fertility and it is regulated by hormonal, neuronal and epithelial mechanisms. However, although there is evidence for the presence of histamine in the epididymis, its effects on epididymal motor activity are unknown. This study sought to evaluate the contractile effects of histamine on the rat distal cauda epididymis duct. Segments of the distal cauda epididymis duct from male Wistar rats were isolated and used in isolated organ bath experiments to evaluate the contractile effects of histamine in the absence or presence of antagonists of histamine receptors, α1-adrenoceptors and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. The effects of histamine on noradrenaline induced contractions were also investigated. Histamine was able to induce phasic contractions on rat distal cauda epididymis duct which were prevented by promethazine 10-1000 nM (H1 receptor antagonist), ranitidine 1-100 μM (H2 receptor antagonist), atropine 100 nM (muscarinic antagonist), and prazosin 100 nM (α1-adrenoceptor antagonist). In addition, histamine was also able to modify noradrenaline-induced contractions possibly via activation of H1 and H2 receptors. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that histamine can induce phasic contractions of rat distal cauda epididymis via H2 receptors and autonomic neurotransmitters. Histamine may also exert modulatory actions on contractions of rat distal cauda epididymis duct induced by adrenergic receptor agonists. Further studies are necessary to unveil the localization of histamine receptors within the epididymal duct and the consequences of manipulation of the histaminergic system on epididymal function and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pedro Brüch Dantas
- Mode of Drug Action Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Maele Oliveira de Sena
- Mode of Drug Action Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Jonas Ivan Nobre Oliveira
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Sabatino Ventura
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Elaine Cristina Gavioli
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Edilson Dantas da Silva Junior
- Mode of Drug Action Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
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Burnstock G. Purinergic signalling in the reproductive system in health and disease. Purinergic Signal 2014; 10:157-87. [PMID: 24271059 PMCID: PMC3944041 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-013-9399-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are multiple roles for purinergic signalling in both male and female reproductive organs. ATP, released as a cotransmitter with noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves, contracts smooth muscle via P2X1 receptors in vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and uterus, as well as in blood vessels. Male infertility occurs in P2X1 receptor knockout mice. Both short- and long-term trophic purinergic signalling occurs in reproductive organs. Purinergic signalling is involved in hormone secretion, penile erection, sperm motility and capacitation, and mucous production. Changes in purinoceptor expression occur in pathophysiological conditions, including pre-eclampsia, cancer and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Burnstock
- Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK,
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Ventura S, Oliver VL, White CW, Xie JH, Haynes JM, Exintaris B. Novel drug targets for the pharmacotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Br J Pharmacol 2011; 163:891-907. [PMID: 21410684 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01332.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the major cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in men aged 50 or older. Symptoms are not normally life threatening, but often drastically affect the quality of life. The number of men seeking treatment for BPH is expected to grow in the next few years as a result of the ageing male population. Estimates of annual pharmaceutical sales of BPH therapies range from $US 3 to 10 billion, yet this market is dominated by two drug classes. Current drugs are only effective in treating mild to moderate symptoms, yet despite this, no emerging contenders appear to be on the horizon. This is remarkable given the increasing number of patients with severe symptoms who are required to undergo invasive and unpleasant surgery. This review provides a brief background on prostate function and the pathophysiology of BPH, followed by a brief description of BPH epidemiology, the burden it places on society, and the current surgical and pharmaceutical therapies. The recent literature on emerging contenders to current therapies and novel drug targets is then reviewed, focusing on drug targets which are able to relax prostatic smooth muscle in a similar way to the α(1) -adrenoceptor antagonists, as this appears to be the most effective mechanism of action. Other mechanisms which may be of benefit are also discussed. It is concluded that recent basic research has revealed a number of novel drug targets such as muscarinic receptor or P2X-purinoceptor antagonists, which have the potential to produce more effective and safer drug treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ventura
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Lam M, Kerr K, Ventura S, Exintaris B. Extracellular Ca2+ entry and mobilization of inositol trisphosphate-dependent Ca2+ stores modulate histamine and electrical field stimulation induced contractions of the guinea-pig prostate. Pharmacol Res 2011; 64:235-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2011.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Revised: 04/18/2011] [Accepted: 04/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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α1-adrenoceptor modulation of spontaneous electrical waveforms in the guinea-pig prostate. Eur J Pharmacol 2009; 608:62-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2008] [Revised: 01/16/2009] [Accepted: 02/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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