Neuropeptides in the seminal vesicles: locations, binding sites and functional implications
M.S. Pinho1,2, F. Afonso1,2, G. Rodrigues1,3, S.Gulbenkian1 and L.R. Mata1
1Laboratory of Cell Biology, Gulbenkian Institute of Science, Oeiras, Portugal, 2Department of Morphology and Clinics, Faculty
of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal and 3Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Faculty of Sciences, Lisbon, Portugal
Offprint requests to: Lucinda Mata, Ph.D., Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto Gulbenkian de Cii'!ncia, Apartado 14, 2781 Oeiras CODEX, Portugal
Summary. The importance of neuronal factors in the normal physiology of the seminal vesicles has been traditionally underestimated when compared to the trophic role of androgens. Immunohistochemical, autoradiographical and pharmacological experiments have, however, raised the possibility that neuropeptides, such as vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) , neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), are necessary for full seminal vesicle function and development. These neuropeptides may be involved in the regulation of secretion, smooth muscle tone and blood flow. Furthermore, neuropeptides may have functional interactions with androgens affecting, probably, androgen receptor-dependent gene expression in these glands. It is now timely to focus attention on the biological relevance of neuropeptides in the seminal vesicles. Histol Histopathol 12, 503-512 (1997)
Key words: Male accessory sex glands, Nerves ,
Vasoactive intestinal peptide, Neuropeptide Y, Calcitonin
gene-related peptide
DOI: 10.14670/HH-12.503