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Bester B, Koslowa K, Gronau AC, Mietens A, Nowell C, Whittaker MR, Pilatz A, Wagenlehner F, Exintaris B, Middendorff R. The oxytocin antagonist cligosiban reduces human prostate contractility: Implications for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2869-2885. [PMID: 38676555 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE With increasing life expectancy, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) consequently affects more ageing men, illustrating the urgent need for advancements in BPH therapy. One emerging possibility may be the use of oxytocin antagonists to relax smooth muscle cells in the prostate, similar to the currently used (although often associated with side effects) α1-adrenoceptor blockers. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH For the first time we used live-imaging, combined with a novel image analysis method, to investigate the multidirectional contractions of the human prostate and determine their changes in response to oxytocin and the oxytocin antagonists atosiban and cligosiban. Human prostate samples were obtained and compared from patients undergoing prostatectomy due to prostate cancer as well as from patients with transurethral resection of prostate tissue due to severe BPH. KEY RESULTS The two cohorts of tissue samples showed spontaneous multidirectional contractions, which significantly increased after the addition of oxytocin. Different to atosiban, which showed ambiguous effects of short duration, only long-acting cligosiban reliably prevented, as well as counteracted, any contractile oxytocin effect. Furthermore, cligosiban visibly reduced not only oxytocin-induced contractions, but also showed intrinsic activity to relax prostatic tissue. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Thus, the oxytocin antagonist cligosiban could be an interesting candidate in the search for novel BPH treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrix Bester
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kristina Koslowa
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ann-Catherine Gronau
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andrea Mietens
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Cameron Nowell
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael R Whittaker
- Drug Discovery Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Florian Wagenlehner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Betty Exintaris
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
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2
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Lee V, Hinton BT, Hirashima T. Collective cell dynamics and luminal fluid flow in the epididymis: A mechanobiological perspective. Andrology 2024; 12:939-948. [PMID: 37415418 PMCID: PMC11278975 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mammalian epididymis is a specialized duct system that serves a critical role in sperm maturation and storage. Its distinctive, highly coiled tissue morphology provides a unique opportunity to investigate the link between form and function in reproductive biology. Although recent genetic studies have identified key genes and signaling pathways involved in the development and physiological functions of the epididymis, there has been limited discussion about the underlying dynamic and mechanical processes that govern these phenomena. AIMS In this review, we aim to address this gap by examining two key aspects of the epididymis across its developmental and physiological phases. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION First, we discuss how the complex morphology of the Wolffian/epididymal duct emerges through collective cell dynamics, including duct elongation, cell proliferation, and arrangement during embryonic development. Second, we highlight dynamic aspects of luminal fluid flow in the epididymis, essential for regulating the microenvironment for sperm maturation and motility, and discuss how this phenomenon emerges and interplays with epididymal epithelial cells. CONCLUSION This review not only aims to summarize current knowledge but also to provide a starting point for further exploration of mechanobiological aspects related to the cellular and extracellular fluid dynamics in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Lee
- Mechanobiology, Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Barry T. Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Tsuyoshi Hirashima
- Mechanobiology, Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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3
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Hiroshige T, Uemura KI, Nakamura KI, Igawa T. Insights on Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor α-Positive Interstitial Cells in the Male Reproductive Tract. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4128. [PMID: 38612936 PMCID: PMC11012365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
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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Affiliation(s)
- Tasuku Hiroshige
- Department of Urology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Uemura
- Department of Urology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Nakamura
- Cognitive and Molecular Research Institute of Brain Diseases, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Igawa
- Department of Urology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
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4
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Umezu K, Musina GR, Larina IV. In vivo dynamic volumetric imaging of mouse testis and epididymis with optical coherence tomography†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:365-376. [PMID: 37971359 PMCID: PMC10873499 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The implementation of live imaging in reproductive research is crucial for studying the physiological dynamics. Sperm transport is a highly dynamic process regulated by tubular contractions and luminal flows within the male reproductive tract. However, due to the lack of imaging techniques to capture these dynamics in vivo, there is little information on the physiological and biomechanical regulation of sperm transport through the male reproductive tract. Here, we present a functional in vivo imaging approach using optical coherence tomography, enabling live, label-free, depth-resolved, three-dimensional, high-resolution visualization of the mouse testis and epididymis. With this approach, we spatiotemporally captured tubular contractility in mouse testis and epididymis, as well as microstructures of these reproductive organs. Our findings demonstrated that the contraction frequency varies significantly depending on the epididymal regions, suggesting the spatial regulation of epididymal contractility. Furthermore, we implemented quantitative measurements of the contraction wave and luminal transport through the epididymal duct, revealing the physiological dynamics within the male reproductive tract. The results show that the contraction wave propagates along the epididymal duct and the wave propagation velocity was estimated in vivo. In conclusion, this is the first study to develop in vivo dynamic volumetric imaging of the male reproductive tract, which allows for quantitative analysis of the dynamics associated with sperm transport. This study sets a platform for various studies investigating normal and abnormal male reproductive physiology as well as the pharmacological and environmental effects on reproductive functions in mouse models, ultimately contributing to a comprehensive understanding of male reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Umezu
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guzel R Musina
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Irina V Larina
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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5
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da Silva AAS, de Santi F, Hinton BT, Cerri PS, Sasso-Cerri E. Venlafaxine increases aromatization, reduces apical V-ATPase in clear cells and induces increased number of mast cells and smooth muscle cells death in rat cauda epididymis. Life Sci 2023; 315:121329. [PMID: 36584913 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Depressive disorders (DD) have affected millions of people worldwide. Venlafaxine, antidepressant of the class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, has been prescribed for the treatment of DD. In rat testes, venlafaxine induces testosterone (T) aromatization and increases estrogen levels. Aromatase is a key enzyme for the formation of estrogen in the epididymis, an essential organ for male fertility. We investigated the impact of serotonergic/noradrenergic venlafaxine effect on the epididymal cauda region, focusing on aromatase, V-ATPase and EGF epithelial immunoexpression, smooth muscle (SM) integrity and mast cells number (MCN). Male rats were distributed into control (CG; n = 10) and venlafaxine (VFG, n = 10) groups. VFG received 30 mg/kg b.w. of venlafaxine for 35 days. The epididymal cauda was processed for light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and estrogen alpha (Esr1), adrenergic (Adra1a) and serotonergic (Htr1b) receptors were analyzed. Clear cells (CCs) area, SM thickness, viable spermatozoa (VS) and MCN were evaluated. Apoptosis was confirmed by TUNEL and TEM. The following immunoreactions were performed: T, aromatase, T/aromatase co-localization, V-ATPase, EGF, Cx43 and PCNA. The increased Adra1a and reduced Htr1b expressions confirmed the noradrenergic and serotonergic venlafaxine effects, respectively, corroborating the increased MCN, apoptosis and atrophy of SM. In VFG, the epithelial EGF increased, explaining Cx43 overexpression and basal cells mitotic activity. T aromatization and Esr1 downregulation indicate high estrogen levels, explaining CCs hypertrophy and changes in the V-ATPase localization, corroborating VS reduction. Thus, in addition to serotonergic/noradrenergic effects, T/estrogen imbalance, induced by venlafaxine, impairs epididymal structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Acácio Souza da Silva
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Fabiane de Santi
- Federal University of São Paulo, Department of Morphology and Genetics, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Barry T Hinton
- University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Paulo Sérgio Cerri
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Estela Sasso-Cerri
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil.
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6
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Umezu K, Larina IV. Optical coherence tomography for dynamic investigation of mammalian reproductive processes. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:3-13. [PMID: 36574640 PMCID: PMC9877170 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The biological events associated with mammalian reproductive processes are highly dynamic and tightly regulated by molecular, genetic, and biomechanical factors. Implementation of live imaging in reproductive research is vital for the advancement of our understanding of normal reproductive physiology and for improving the management of reproductive disorders. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is emerging as a promising tool for dynamic volumetric imaging of various reproductive processes in mice and other animal models. In this review, we summarize recent studies employing OCT-based approaches toward the investigation of reproductive processes in both, males and females. We describe how OCT can be applied to study structural features of the male reproductive system and sperm transport through the male reproductive tract. We review OCT applications for in vitro and dynamic in vivo imaging of the female reproductive system, staging and tracking of oocytes and embryos, and investigations of the oocyte/embryo transport through the oviduct. We describe how the functional OCT approach can be applied to the analysis of cilia dynamics within the male and female reproductive systems. We also discuss the areas of research, where OCT could find potential applications to progress our understanding of normal reproductive physiology and reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Umezu
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Irina V Larina
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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7
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Chan CJ, Hirashima T. Tissue hydraulics in reproduction. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 131:124-133. [PMID: 35606275 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The development of functional eggs and sperm are critical processes in mammalian development as they ensure successful reproduction and species propagation. While past studies have identified important genes that regulate these processes, the roles of luminal flow and fluid stress in reproductive biology remain less well understood. Here, we discuss recent evidence that support the diverse functions of luminal fluid in oogenesis, spermatogenesis and embryogenesis. We also review emerging techniques that allow for precise quantification and perturbation of tissue hydraulics in female and male reproductive systems, and propose new questions and approaches in this field. We hope this review will provide a useful resource to inspire future research in tissue hydraulics in reproductive biology and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chii Jou Chan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Tsuyoshi Hirashima
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; The Hakubi Center/Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Kawaguchi, Japan.
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8
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Ivanova E, Vincel B, Verkauskas G, Hadziselimovic F. Gubernaculum and Epididymo-Testicular Descent: Review of the Literature. Acta Med Litu 2022; 29:201-210. [PMID: 37733393 PMCID: PMC9799001 DOI: 10.15388/amed.2022.29.2.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is a common disorder in boys that has been widely studied both experimentally and clinically. The role of the gubernaculum, a mesenchymal tissue extending from the fetal testis and epididymis to the developing scrotum, is still unclear. Even the name is debated: 'gubernaculum epididymis' or 'gubernaculum testis'. This review does not aim to provide a global overview of competing theories on testicular descent, but focuses on the role of the gubernaculum in epididymo-testicular descent. We identified four major pitfalls of gubernaculum research: the role of the gubernaculum, of insulin-like peptide 3, anti-Müllerian hormone, and androgens. The major critical issues were that the gubernaculum plays a guiding role for the epididymis, descending prior to the testis and expanding the inguinal canal; insulin-like peptide 3 is not as important for the process of descent in humans as the rate of insulin-like peptide 3 mutations is low; anti-Müllerian hormone plays no significant role in epididymo-testicular descent; androgens and gonadotropins play a crucial role in epididymo-testicular descent. The role of the epididymis in the complex process of gubernaculum, epididymis, and testis migration is underestimated and should be included in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beata Vincel
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephrourology and Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Gilvydas Verkauskas
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephrourology and Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Faruk Hadziselimovic
- Institute for Cryptorchidism Research, Kindermedizinisches Zentrum, Liestal, Switzerland
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9
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Stadler B, Nowell CJ, Whittaker MR, Arnhold S, Pilatz A, Wagenlehner FM, Exintaris B, Middendorff R. Physiological and pharmacological impact of oxytocin on epididymal propulsion during the ejaculatory process in rodents and men. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21639. [PMID: 34041782 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100435r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
During the emission phase of ejaculation, the sperm is driven from the cauda epididymidis, where it is stored, through the vas deferens by strong contractions. These contractions are thought of as being mainly induced by the sympathetic nervous system and the neurotransmitter noradrenaline. In the present study, we investigated the effect of oxytocin (suggested to exert effects during ejaculation as well) on defined segments of the rat and human epididymis using live imaging. Our results indicate that it is the very last part of the epididymis, segment 19 (S19) in rat and likewise segment 9 in human, which responds in a uniquely strong and rapid manner to oxytocin (similar to noradrenaline). Because of the complex nature of this contractile response, we developed an imaging analysis method, which allowed us to quantify multidirectional contractions and to display them using heat maps. The reaction of S19 to oxytocin was concentration-dependent and could be inhibited by pretreatment with oxytocin antagonists (atosiban and cligosiban), but not with an arginine vasopressin 1A antagonist (SR49059). In both rat and human tissue, pretreatment with the alpha-1 adrenoreceptor antagonist tamsulosin inhibited the response to noradrenaline, whereas the effect of oxytocin was unimpaired. Our data (from men and rodents) strongly suggest that the hormone oxytocin is involved in the ejaculatory process. Thus, oxytocin-based medications might be a promising non-adrenergic treatment option for ejaculatory disorders. Additionally, we propose that S19 could be an advantageous model (detecting very low concentrations of oxytocin) to test the bioactivity of new oxytocin agonists and oxytocin antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrix Stadler
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.,Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cameron J Nowell
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael R Whittaker
- Drug Discovery Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stefan Arnhold
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Florian M Wagenlehner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Betty Exintaris
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
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10
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Özbek M, Hitit M, Öztop M, Beyaz F, Ergün E, Ergün L. Spatiotemporal expression patterns of natriuretic peptides in rat testis and epididymis during postnatal development. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13387. [PMID: 31661170 DOI: 10.1111/and.13387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Natriuretic peptide (NP) family is composed of atrial, brain and C-type NP (NPPA, NPPB and NPPC). Here, we aimed to investigate NP expression in testis and epididymis during postnatal development. NPPA expression was observed in gonocytes at prepubertal period but in only spermatocytes in pachytene and leptotene/zygotene stage at pubertal period. In prepubertal and pubertal periods, we detected NPPB expression in only Leydig cells. However, NPPC expression was detected in all of the gonocytes and Sertoli cells, spermatocytes and some interstitial cells in prepubertal and pubertal periods. In postpubertal and mature periods, NPPA and NPPB staining were detected in Leydig cells, elongated and round spermatids but not in spermatogonia and spermatocytes. However, we observed NPPC expression in all cells of the seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells in the postpubertal and mature periods. Epididymal epithelium showed intense NPPC expression during postnatal period but weak NPPA and NPPB expression in prepubertal and pubertal periods. The expression of three NPs in the testis significantly increased after puberty. In conclusion, puberty had a significant effect on NP expression in testis. Unlike NPPA and NPPB, expression of NPPC in all cells of the seminiferous tubule suggests that NPPC is effective in each step of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Özbek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Öztop
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Feyzullah Beyaz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Emel Ergün
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Levent Ergün
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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11
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Kügler R, Mietens A, Seidensticker M, Tasch S, Wagenlehner FM, Kaschtanow A, Tjahjono Y, Tomczyk CU, Beyer D, Risbridger GP, Exintaris B, Ellem SJ, Middendorff R. Novel imaging of the prostate reveals spontaneous gland contraction and excretory duct quiescence together with different drug effects. FASEB J 2018; 32:1130-1138. [PMID: 29089445 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700430r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Prostate carcinoma and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are among the most prevalent and clinically relevant diseases in men. BPH is characterized by an enlargement of prostate tissue associated with increased tone of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) which surround the single glands composing the prostate. Secretions of the glands leave the prostate through local excretory ducts during the emission phase of ejaculation. Pharmacological treatment of BPH suggests different local drug targets based on reduction of prostate smooth muscle tone as the main effect and disturbed ejaculation as a common side effect. This highlights the need for detailed investigation of single prostate glands and ducts. We combined structural and functional imaging techniques-notably, clear lipid-exchanged, acrylamide-hybridized rigid imaging/immunostaining/ in situ hybridization-compatible tissue-hydrogel (CLARITY) and time-lapse imaging-and defined glands and ducts as distinct SMC compartments in human and rat prostate tissue. The single glands of the prostate (comprising the secretory part) are characterized by spontaneous contractions mediated by the surrounding SMCs, whereas the ducts (excretory part) are quiescent. In both SMC compartments, phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 is expressed. PDE5 inhibitors have recently emerged as alternative treatment options for BPH. We directly visualized that the PDE5 inhibitors sildenafil and tadalafil act by reducing spontaneous contractility of the glands, thereby reducing the muscle tone of the organ. In contrast, the ductal (excretory) system and thus the prostate's contribution to ejaculation is unaffected by PDE5 inhibitors. Our differentiated imaging approach reveals new details about prostate function and local drug actions and thus may support clinical management of BPH.-Kügler, R., Mietens, A., Seidensticker, M., Tasch, S., Wagenlehner, F. M., Kaschtanow, A., Tjahjono, Y., Tomczyk, C. U., Beyer, D., Risbridger, G. P., Exintaris, B., Ellem, S. J., Middendorff, R. Novel imaging of the prostate reveals spontaneous gland contraction and excretory duct quiescence together with different drug effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kügler
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andrea Mietens
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mathias Seidensticker
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Tasch
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Florian M Wagenlehner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andre Kaschtanow
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Yudy Tjahjono
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Claudia U Tomczyk
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Daniela Beyer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gail P Risbridger
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and
| | - Betty Exintaris
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart J Ellem
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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12
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Da Silva N, Barton CR. Macrophages and dendritic cells in the post-testicular environment. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 363:97-104. [PMID: 26337514 PMCID: PMC4703462 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2270-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages (MΦ) and dendritic cells (DCs) are heterogeneous families of functionally and developmentally related immune cells that play crucial roles in tissue homeostasis and the regulation of immune responses. During the past 5 years, immunologists have generated a considerable amount of data that challenge dogmas about the ontogeny and functions of these highly versatile cells. The male excurrent duct system plays a critical role in the establishment of fertility by allowing sperm maturation, transport and storage. In addition, it is challenged by pathogens and must establish a protective and tolerogenic environment for a continuous flow of autoantigenic spermatozoa. The post-testicular environment and, in particular, the epididymis contain an intricate network of DCs and MΦ; however, the immunophysiology of this intriguing and highly specialized mucosal system is poorly understood. This review summarizes the current trends in mouse MΦ and DC biology and speculates about their roles in the steady-state epididymis. Unraveling immune cell functions in the male reproductive tract is an essential prerequisite for the design of innovative strategies aimed at controlling male fertility and treating infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Da Silva
- Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology and Program in Membrane Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, CPZN 8.218, Boston, MA 02114-2790, USA.
| | - Claire R Barton
- Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology and Program in Membrane Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, CPZN 8.218, Boston, MA 02114-2790, USA
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