Abstract
Information bearing on the presence function and possible physiologic control of the contractile cells of the testis is consolidated. The cells are true muscle cells and contractile fibroblasts. Smooth muscle is most important in capsules of rabbits and dogs less so in humans and rats. In humans only vascular innervation has been seen in testicular tunica although innervation has been suggested to be present. Isolated rat rabbit and human testes contract in presence of ganglion stimulants. This is evidence for innervation. However no cell bodies of the sympathetic nervous system are known to exist. All of the prostaglandins (PGs) thus far tested initiate tonus increases and phasic contractions in nonmotile isolated rabbit testes. PGE1 potentiates contractions caused by other agents such as epinephrine. The smooth muscle of the rabbit testicular capsule depends on extracellular calcium for its contractility. A stimulatory agent as PGE2 is also needed. The laminar propria of seminiferous tubules from all mammals contains cells that resemble smooth muscle. Evidence is presented in support of the role for testicular contractile elements in the emptying of sperm from the testes. As with smooth muscle in other organs testicular muscle cells can facilitate emptying ducts of their secretory products in this case spermatozoa.
Published Version
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