Abstract
Background Peritubular contractile cells within the testis and epididymis surround seminiferous tubules and the epididymal duct. These cells are crucial for the transport of sperm which only acquire motility and fertilizing capacity during transit from the testis to the distal epididymal duct. cGMP contributes to regulate smooth muscle cell function [1,2]. The role of cGMP, cGMP-hydrolysing PDE5 and potential effects of the PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil in testicular and epididymal smooth muscle cells, however, remains largely unknown despite the expanding use of sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension.
Highlights
Peritubular contractile cells within the testis and epididymis surround seminiferous tubules and the epididymal duct
Isolated epididymal duct segments and seminiferous tubules were studied by organ bath and time-lapse video microscopy to assess sperm transport and contractile activity
Contraction frequency was reduced after the addition of cGMP-elevating agents sildenafil, nitric oxide (NO) or atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) [3]
Summary
Peritubular contractile cells within the testis and epididymis surround seminiferous tubules and the epididymal duct. Results Isolated epididymal duct segments and seminiferous tubules were studied by organ bath and time-lapse video microscopy to assess sperm transport and contractile activity. In all parts of the epididymis, regular contractions which elicited transport of sperm could be observed. Contraction frequency was reduced after the addition of cGMP-elevating agents sildenafil, nitric oxide (NO) or atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) [3].
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