You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction/Andrology: Basic Research I1 Apr 2010697 DISTRIBUTION OF PHOSPHODIESTERASE (PDE) ISOENZYMES IN THE HUMAN SEMINAL VESICLE - AN IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY Stefan Ückert, Eginhard Waldkirch, Peter Sandner, Markus Kuczyk, and Petter Hedlund Stefan ÜckertStefan Ückert Hannover, Germany More articles by this author , Eginhard WaldkirchEginhard Waldkirch Hannover, Germany More articles by this author , Peter SandnerPeter Sandner Wuppertal, Germany More articles by this author , Markus KuczykMarkus Kuczyk Hannover, Germany More articles by this author , and Petter HedlundPetter Hedlund Milan, Italy More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2010.02.1138AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes have been shown to play a central role in the control of human male genital tissues. There a hints from basic research and clinical studies that the PDE5 inhibitors sildenafil and vardenafil can retard the male ejaculatory response by attenuating the contractile activity of the seminal vesicles (SV). While the expression of PDE isoenzymes in the human SV has been described (J. Urol. 179, No. 4, Suppl.: 235, 2008), the distribution of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP PDEs has not yet been investigated. The aim of the study was to elucidate by means of immunohistochemistry the distribution of the PDE isoenzymes PDE1A, PDE2A, PDE3A, PDE4 (isoforms A and B), PDE5A, PDE10A and PDE11A in sections of human SV tissue. METHODS Specimens of the SV were obtained from 6 male subjects (mean age: 68 years) who had undergone pelvic surgery. Using conventional immunohistochemistry (double-antibody technique, laser fluorescence microscopy), the occurrence of the PDE isoenzymes mentioned above was examined in relation to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5). RESULTS Immunosignals specific for PDE1A were mainly observed in the outer and inner smooth muscle layer of the SV sections while PDE3A and PDE10A were also found in the epithelium of glandular areas. The expression of PDE2A, PDE4A, PDE4B, PDE5A and PDE11A was mainly limited to the glandular epithelium, small vessels (PDE2A), and slender nerve fibers transversing the sections. In nerve fibers and nerve endings, PDE4A and PDE4B were found co-localized with VIP, whereas PDE5A- and PDE11A-positive nerve fibers/endings also presented immunosignals specific for CGRP and PGP 9.5, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP PDE isoenzymes are involved in the control of smooth muscle function, glandular secretory activity, and neurotransmission in the SV. These findings might be of importance with regard to the identification of new therapeutic avenues to treat premature ejaculation. © 2010 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 183Issue 4SApril 2010Page: e272 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2010 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Stefan Ückert Hannover, Germany More articles by this author Eginhard Waldkirch Hannover, Germany More articles by this author Peter Sandner Wuppertal, Germany More articles by this author Markus Kuczyk Hannover, Germany More articles by this author Petter Hedlund Milan, Italy More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...