Abstract

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) has been demonstrated in nerve fibers of the female genital tract localized in synaptic vesicles. The VIP-containing nerve fibers seem to innervate nonvascular smooth muscle, blood vessels, and epithelial cells. Evidence is accumulating that VIP fulfills a number of the classical criteria to be a neurotransmitter in the female genital tract. It is likely that VIP is the mediator of genital functions, which are controlled by noncholinergic, nonadrenergic nerve fibers. VIP seems to play a role in the local nervous control of uterine smooth muscle, e.g., opening of the uterotubal junctions, and to be involved in vasodilatation in the uterus as well as the vagina. In conclusion, a third or peptidergic division of the autonomic nervous system seems to participate in the nervous control of reproduction.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.