Abstract
Background In the human testis, myofibroblasts are the main cellular components of the lamina propria of seminiferous tubules. These cells are crucial for the transport of immature sperm towards the epididymis. In many cases of disturbed spermatogenesis, the peritubular lamina propria is considerably thickened, with an increase of extracellular components, resembling fibrotic changes in other organs [1]. Myofibroblast dedifferentiation was described in elderly men. The second messenger cGMP contributes to the regulation of contractile cell function in the testis [2,3]. Sildenafil, an inhibitor of cGMP-hydrolyzing PDE5, is used in an increasing number of young patients to treat pulmonary hypertension. However, there is only scarce knowledge on PDEs in the testis and on possible effects of PDE inhibition in male reproductive organs.
Highlights
In the human testis, myofibroblasts are the main cellular components of the lamina propria of seminiferous tubules
These cells are crucial for the transport of immature sperm
Myofibroblast dedifferentiation was described in elderly men
Summary
PDE expression and contractility of seminiferous tubules of the human testis Caroline Feuerstacke*, Sabine Tasch, Johanna Volkmann, Dieter Müller, Ralf Middendorff. From 5th International Conference on cGMP: Generators, Effectors and Therapeutic Implications Halle, Germany. From 5th International Conference on cGMP: Generators, Effectors and Therapeutic Implications Halle, Germany. 24-26 June 2011
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