Mechanisms underlying spontaneous phasic contractions and sympathetic control of smooth muscle in the rat caudal epididymis

Mitsui, Retsu; Hashitani, Hikaru; Lang, Richard J; Helden, Dirk F. van

doi:10.1007/s00424-021-02609-z

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 63 publications

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“…The epididymal duct is characterized by spontaneous rhythmic contractions which decrease in frequency but increase in amplitude from head to tail, as shown in vivo [88][89][90] and in vitro [91][92][93]. There is also a report that the distal portion of the tail, which stores sperm until ejaculation, only sporadically contracts but does not spontaneously contract [94,95]. Additionally, adrenergic nerves are present in the caudal region, and it is believed that smooth muscle movement is mainly controlled by nerve input [10,96].…”

Section: Smooth Muscle Movement In Epididymal Ductsmentioning

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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Section: Smooth Muscle Movement In Epididymal Ductsmentioning

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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“…The thickness of the smooth muscle cells increases along the epididymal duct, from the caput to the cauda, and the contractile amplitude increases, whereas the frequency decreases toward the cauda. [54][55][56][57] Although hormonal and signaling effects have been studied to some extent, 53,[58][59][60] for contraction. 58,61,62 The interplay between smooth muscle cells and interstitial cells of Cajal in the epididymis is not yet fully understood.…”

Section: Origins Of Luminal Flowmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The thickness of the smooth muscle cells increases along the epididymal duct, from the caput to the cauda, and the contractile amplitude increases, whereas the frequency decreases toward the cauda 54–57 . Although hormonal and signaling effects have been studied to some extent, 53,58–60 the spatiotemporal regulation of ductal contraction in physiological conditions remains unknown. The organization of the spatiotemporal pattern of epididymal ductal contractions is crucial for the forward movement of luminal fluidic contents.…”

Section: Luminal Fluid Dynamics In Mature Epididymismentioning

confidence: 99%

Collective cell dynamics and luminal fluid flow in the epididymis: A mechanobiological perspective

2023

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BackgroundThe 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.AimsIn this review, we aim to address this gap by examining two key aspects of the epididymis across its developmental and physiological phases.Results and DiscussionFirst, 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.ConclusionThis 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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Involvement of ANO1 currents in pacemaking of PDGFRα-positive specialised smooth muscle cells in rat caudal epididymis

Kudo,

Mitsui,

Hashitani

2024

Cell Tissue Res

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Mechanisms underlying spontaneous phasic contractions and sympathetic control of smooth muscle in the rat caudal epididymis

Cited by 7 publications

References 63 publications

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

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

Collective cell dynamics and luminal fluid flow in the epididymis: A mechanobiological perspective

Involvement of ANO1 currents in pacemaking of PDGFRα-positive specialised smooth muscle cells in rat caudal epididymis

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