This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a related Letter to the Editor Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Copyright Permission Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Middendorff, R. Articles by Davidoff, M. S. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Middendorff, R. Articles by Davidoff, M. S.

The Tunica Albuginea of the Human Testis Is Characterized by Complex Contraction and Relaxation Activities Regulated by Cyclic GMP

Institute of Anatomy (R.M., M.M., A.F.H., M.S.D.) and Institute for Hormone and Fertility Research (D.M., A.K.M.), University of Hamburg, Hamburg 20246, Germany

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Dr. Ralf Middendorff, Institute of Anatomy, University of Hamburg, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany. E-mail: . middendo{at}uke.unihamburg.de

Abstract

The mechanisms responsible for the initial transport of immotile sperm from the testis into the epididymis are still poorly understood. We show here by electron microscopy and immunohistochemical approaches that the tunica albuginea of the human testis contains abundantly contractile elements. This tissue is also distinguished by extraordinarily high concentrations of cyclic GMP (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase I, known to mediate cGMP-dependent relaxation. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) increased cGMP production in isolated strips of the tunica, and the enzymes involved could be demonstrated by affinity cross-linking and immunological techniques. Contractile cells as well as ectopic Leydig cells were identified as sites of nitric oxide synthase expression. Physiological studies revealed spontaneous contractions exclusively in regions near the rete testis. These contractions could be attenuated but not abolished by cGMP, SNP, and ANP. Remarkably, SNP reduced only the amplitudes, whereas ANP in addition decreased the frequency of these contractions. In contrast, noradrenaline-induced contractions, detectable in all parts of the capsule, could be abolished completely by SNP. These data, demonstrating complex contraction and relaxation activities, are indicative of a major physiological role of the tunica albuginea presumably related to testicular sperm transport.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				D. Muller, L. Cortes-Dericks, L. T. Budnik, B. Brunswig-Spickenheier, M. Pancratius, R. C. Speth, A. K. Mukhopadhyay, and R. Middendorff Homologous and Lysophosphatidic Acid-Induced Desensitization of the Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Receptor, Guanylyl Cyclase-A, in MA-10 Leydig Cells Endocrinology, June 1, 2006; 147(6): 2974 - 2985. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Mewe, C. K. Bauer, D. Muller, and R. Middendorff Regulation of Spontaneous Contractile Activity in the Bovine Epididymal Duct by Cyclic Guanosine 5'-Monophosphate-Dependent Pathways Endocrinology, April 1, 2006; 147(4): 2051 - 2062. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				F. C.L. Banks, G. E. Knight, R. C. Calvert, M. Turmaine, C. S. Thompson, D. P. Mikhailidis, R. J. Morgan, and G. Burnstock Smooth Muscle and Purinergic Contraction of the Human, Rabbit, Rat, and Mouse Testicular Capsule Biol Reprod, March 1, 2006; 74(3): 473 - 480. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Shafik, O. El Sibai, and A. A. Shafik Electric Activity of the Testicular Tunica Albuginea During Ejaculation: A Canine Study Experimental Biology and Medicine, September 1, 2005; 230(8): 569 - 572. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. S. Davidoff, R. Middendorff, G. Enikolopov, D. Riethmacher, A. F. Holstein, and D. Muller Progenitor cells of the testosterone-producing Leydig cells revealed J. Cell Biol., December 6, 2004; 167(5): 935 - 944. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				B. Willipinski-Stapelfeldt, J. Lubberstedt, S. Stelter, K. Vogt, A. K. Mukhopadhyay, and D. Muller Comparative analysis between cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP signalling in human sperm Mol. Hum. Reprod., July 1, 2004; 10(7): 543 - 552. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. Muller, A. K. Mukhopadhyay, R. C. Speth, G. Guidone, R. Potthast, L. R. Potter, and R. Middendorff Spatiotemporal Regulation of the Two Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Receptors in Testis Endocrinology, March 1, 2004; 145(3): 1392 - 1401. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]