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Gene Expression of Endothelin-1, Endothelin-Converting Enzyme-1, and Endothelin Receptors in Human Epididymis¹

Endocrinology (A.P., C.P., M.S.) and Andrology (G.F., S.G., G.F., M.M.) Units, Departments of Clinical Physiopathology, Human Anatomy (G.B.V., T.B.), Pharmacology (S.A.), and Urology (G.B.), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Mario Maggi, M.D., Andrology Unit, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy. E-mail: m.maggi{at}mednuc2.dfc.unifi.it

We have previously reported the presence of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its receptors in the human testis. In the present study we extended our investigations to human epididymis. The rationale of our study originated from the fact that sperm appear to be immotile during their transit through the epididymis. Hence, it is conceivable that specific factors, unknown to date, are present in this organ, capable of inducing smooth muscle contractions, thus forcing sperm transport. In this paper it is shown that ET-1 messenger ribonucleic acid and protein are readily detectable in the epithelial compartment of the human epididymis, and that ET-converting enzyme-1, which converts the precursor pro-ET-1 into the active peptide ET-1, is expressed in the epididymis, thus indicating an active processing of the prohormone. In addition, two classes of ET receptors were characterized and located in the muscle cells of the epididymis. These receptors correspond, in terms of affinity constants and capacity, to the ET_A and ET_B receptors previously characterized. These receptors mediate the contractile activity of the epididymis in vitro, thus suggesting that ET-1 can be responsible of sperm progression through this organ, acting via a paracrine mode of action.

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