The contractile phenotype of peritubular smooth muscle cells is locally controlled: possible implications in male fertility

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• 作者：Francesca Romano ; Antonella Tripiciano ; Barbara Muciaccia ; Paola De Cesaris ; Elio Ziparo ; Fioretta Palombi and Antonio Filippini
• 关键词：Endothelin ; Adrenomedullin ; Smooth muscle ; Seminiferous tubule
• 刊名：Contraception
• 出版年：2005
• 出版时间：2005
• 年：2005
• 卷：72
• 期：4
• 页码：294-297
• 全文大小：152 K

文摘

The contractile activity of peritubular tissue is responsible for the propulsion of spermatozoa along the lumen of seminiferous tubules toward the hilum of the testis. This function is performed by specialized contractile cells [peritubular smooth muscle cells (PSMC)] in response to the locally produced agonist, endothelin (ET). Here, we review current information on the complex ET-mediated control of peritubular contractility. In addition, we report new data demonstrating that the relaxant peptide adrenomedullin is produced by Sertoli cells and interferes with ET-mediated contraction of PSMC. Given the relevance of the seminiferous tubule sperm output for male fertility, the detailed definition of the mechanisms controlling peritubular contractility could contribute in different ways to novel therapeutic opportunities and provide potential targets for contraceptive strategies.