Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P20366 (substance P)
 21,176 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Effects of neurokinin A (NKA) on sympathetic neurotransmission were studied in rat vas deferens. Although neither prazosin, an alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocker, nor alpha, beta-methylene adenosine triphosphate, a P2-purinoceptor blocker, inhibited the NKA-induced contractions in the epididymal site, high concentration of NKA-induced contractions in the prostatic site were slightly decreased by either of the two blockers. Treatment with guanethidine, which prevents the release of sympathetic transmitters from presynaptic nerve endings, also had no effect on NKA-induced contractions in either site. To investigate the effects of NKA on the adrenergic and purinergic neurotransmission in more detail, we measured transmitter release by using [3H]norepinephrine or [14C]adenosine. Neither spontaneous or nor evoked 3H efflux, indicating NE release, was affected by NKA in either site. NKA enhanced 14C efflux, indicating ATP release, evoked by electrical stimulation in the epididymal site, which may be originated from smooth muscle. In the prostatic site, contractions induced by electrical stimulation were enhanced in spite of no increase in 3H or 14C efflux. These results suggest that: 1) NKA has no effect on presynaptic nerve terminals in both sites, 2) NKA potentiates the effects of neurotransmitters in the prostatic site, and 3) NKA modulates the neurotransmissions.
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PMID:Postsynaptic potentiation of neurotransmission by neurokinin A in rat vas deferens. 135 17

Although both neurokinin A (NKA) and norepinephrine (NE) induced similar maximal contractions in the epididymal and the prostatic site of vas deferens, NKA affected sensitivity more potently than did NE in both sites. The NKA-induced contractions were more strongly inhibited by nicardipine, a dihydropyridine Ca2+ entry blocker, or by elimination of extracellular Ca2+ (Cao2+) in both sites. However, ryanodine, which interferes with the release of intracellular Ca2+ (Cai2+), abolished the contractions caused by NKA in the prostatic site whereas it had no effect in the epididymal site. These results suggest that NKA-induced contraction utilizes both Cai2+ and Cao2+ in the prostatic site but mobilizes only Cao2+ in the epididymal site. Cai2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) was measured directly with a Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye, fura-2. In the epididymal site NKA induced contractions with smaller increase in [Ca2+]i compared to that necessary for NE-induced contractions. These results suggest that NKA utilizes Ca2+ more efficiently than does NE and plays a role as a neuromodulator in rat vas deferens.
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PMID:Efficient Ca2+ mobilization induced by neurokinin A in rat vas deferens. 166 58

1 Capsaicin (Cap) enhanced the twitch response of the epididymal and prostatic portions of rat vas deferens induced by field stimulation at 0.1 Hz. The effect of Cap was reproducible and showed no desensitization. 2 Prazosin, and pretreatment with reserpine or Cap did not affect the potentiating effect of Cap, whereas pretreatment with 6-hydroxydopamine abolished the action of Cap. 3 Cap tended to attenuate the contractions induced by noradrenaline, tyramine and ATP. 4 Like Cap, substance K and substance P augmented the twitch response without causing desensitization, but their effects differed somewhat from that of Cap. Calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibited the twitch response. 5 These results suggest that Cap enhances a stimulation-induced, prazosin-resistant non-adrenergic twitch response of rat vas deferens through an as yet undefined prejunctional mechanism. This mechanism is possibly mediated by some peptide released in response to Cap from sensory neurones, which in turn acts on sympathetic nerves and increases stimulation-induced release of a mediator or cotransmitter responsible for the non-adrenergic twitch response. However, the possibility that Cap has a direct action on sympathetic nerves cannot be ruled out.
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PMID:Capsaicin enhances the non-adrenergic twitch response of rat vas deferens. 244 7

The innervation of the ductuli efferentes and seven zones of the guinea-pig epididymis was investigated using immunohistochemical, histochemical and electron-microscopical techniques. Nerve fibers were localized by use of antibodies against substance P (SP-IR), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP-IR) and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH-IR). In the ductuli efferentes and all zones of the epididymal duct, SP-IR is consistently observed in the interstitial tissue and perivascular areas. Histochemistry reveals a significant amount of acetylcholinesterase-containing fibers in the interstitial, perivascular and periductal smooth muscles of the ductuli efferentes and zones V, VI and VII. In contrast to the homogeneous distribution of SP-IR within all zones of the epididymis, VIP-IR is seen only in zones VI and VII. Within these zones, VIP-IR is detected in large amounts in the subepithelial and muscular layers as is a sparse number of SP-IR varicosities. DBH-IR is also seen throughout all zones in the interstitial and perivascular regions with a tendency to increase in zones VI and VII. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals evidence of a cholinergic (agranular vesicles, AGV), adrenergic (small granular vesicles, SGV) and peptidergic (large granular vesicles, LGV) innervation throughout the interstitial connective tissue of the ductuli efferentes and all epididymal zones. Furthermore AGV are localized in the subepithelial layer, and also co-stored with LGV in the muscular layer of zones VI and VII. No nerve profiles were encountered within the epithelium. A correlation of immunohistochemical findings to TEM counterparts as well as their possible functional role are discussed.
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PMID:Studies of the guinea-pig epididymis. III. Innervation of epididymal segments. 257 39

The morphology and innervation of the testicular artery and pampiniform plexus of the guinea-pig was investigated using light immunohistochemistry as well as transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The tortuous, spiraled testicular artery embedded within the epididymal fat pad is totally encompassed by a thin-walled sinus-like labyrinthine structure comprising the pampiniform plexus. Characteristic features of this lacunar system are: 1. Endothelial bridges, strands or trabeculae of various length, width and thickness which project into the lumen, occasionally branch, and attach to the opposite or adjacent area of the venous wall. 2. A frequent discontinuous smooth muscular layer. Nerve fibers were localized by use of antibodies against dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH-IR), neuropeptide Y (NPY-IR), and substance P (SP-IR). A great abundance of NPY-IR and DBH-IR axon bundles are seen surrounding the testicular artery. Fibers emanating from this dense plexus travel into the interstitium to finally innervate the walls of the sinus-like system, including the cross-luminal trabeculae. In contrast, larger varicosities are distinctive for SP-IR fibers which are also located at the media-adventitia border of the arterial and venous walls but to a far lesser extent than that seen with DBH-IR or NPY-IR. The axon varicosities supplying the arterial and venous walls contain a heterogeneous population of various types of vesicles, mostly including small agranular and granular ones as well as large granular vesicles of various size and density. The most conspicuous feature concerning the innervation pattern of the venous wall is the occurrence of numerous neuroendothelial contact zones. The findings of the investigated 'rete mirabile' are discussed with respect to rheology and temperature control for the maintenance of normal spermatogenesis.
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PMID:Morphology and innervation of a testicular 'rete mirabile' in the guinea-pig. 408 24

Although a number of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) receptor subtypes have been cloned, limited studies have been performed to elucidate subtypes that subserve specific actions of this eicosanoid, in part because of a paucity of selective receptor antagonists. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antisense oligonucleotides, we examined which prostaglandin E(2) receptor (EP receptor) subtypes are expressed in sensory neurons and which mediate the PGE(2)-induced increase in cAMP production and augmentation of peptide release. Reverse transcription-PCR of cDNA isolated from rat sensory neurons grown in culture revealed PCR products for the EP1, EP2, EP3C, and EP4 receptor subtypes but not the EP3A or EP3B. Preexposing neuronal cultures for 48 h to antisense oligonucleotides of EP3C and EP4 mRNA diminished expression of the respective receptors by approximately 80%, abolished the PGE(2)-stimulated production of cAMP, and blocked the ability of PGE(2) to augment release of immunoreactive substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Pretreating with individual antisense against the EP2, EP3C, or EP4 receptors or combinations of missense oligonucleotides had no effect on PGE(2)-induced activity. Treatment with antisense to EP3C and EP4 receptor subtypes did not alter the ability of forskolin to increase cAMP or enhance peptide release. These results demonstrate that sensory neurons are capable of expressing multiple EP receptor subtypes but that only the EP3C and EP4 receptors mediate PGE(2)-induced sensitization of sensory neurons.
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PMID:Prostaglandin receptor subtypes, EP3C and EP4, mediate the prostaglandin E2-induced cAMP production and sensitization of sensory neurons. 1127

The autonomous innervation of the feline testis was investigated by immunohistochemistry and a modified acetylcholinesterase technique. The nerves reach the testis mainly by two routes: (1) with testicular artery and pampiniform plexus to the cranial extremity (funicular contribution), (2) from the epididymal tail to the caudal extremity (caudal contribution). Within the tunica albuginea the funicular contribution supplies the cranial two thirds, whereas the caudal third of the tunica receives its nerves via the ligamentous connection between testis and epididymal tail. The nerve bundles accompanying the testicular artery give branches to the arterial wall and the pampiniform plexus. When reaching the cranial testicular pole the bundles separate; the majority of them pass into the centrally located mediastinum testis, another large portion enters the tunica albuginea, particularly on its epididymal side. The septula testis are innervated from both sides, that is from the mediastinum and from the tunica albuginea. In the cat, contrary to other mammals, all septula are innervated. Furthermore, nerve fibers occur regularly within the testicular lobules. Generally, the testicular nerves of the cat are unmyelinated and mainly vascular nerves, but fibers are also found within the connective tissue compartments of the testis. The vast majority of all autonomous testicular nerves are postjunctional sympathetic fibers. Terminal ramifications of cholinergic fibers are exclusively observed in the wall of medium-sized arterioles within mediastinum, septula and lobuli testis. Neuropeptide Y is the most frequent peptidergic transmitter in feline testicular vascular plexuses. The amount of calcitonin gene-related peptide-positive fibers is also remarkably high in the testis, but prefers a location within the stroma of the tunica albuginea, mediastinum and septula. In the cat, Leydig cells occur not only in intertubular locations, but also as intratunical and mediastinal Leydig cells. In all three localizations solitary nerve fibers are observed between Leydig cell groups. These fibers are generally dopamin-beta-hydroxylase- and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive, some contain calcitonin gene-related peptide and, very few, substance P.
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PMID:The nerve distribution in the testis of the cat. 1150 54

The innervation of the camel epididymis was studied in 26 apparently healthy, sexually mature animals aged between 4 and 12 years. The material was collected during the different seasons of the year. Generally, five samples were taken from each epididymis. To demonstrate the general innervation pattern, immunohistochemical reactions to protein gene product-9.5, neurofilaments and neuron-specific enolase were used, in addition to acetylcholinesterase histochemistry. The nerve supply of the epididymis comes from two sources: (1) The majority of fibers come from the N. spermaticus inferior and accompany the deferent duct. (2) Another contribution stems from the N. spermaticus superior and enters the head region of the epididymis. From the exterior, the nerves penetrate the capsule of the organ to reach the interductular connective tissue. The terminal ramifications are observed directly within the wall of the duct and the wall of the epididymal arteries. The veins of the camel epididymis are not innervated. In the wall of the ductus epididymidis, the nerve fibers form plexuses at the subepithelial level and in the muscular coat. The amount of nerve fibers increases from the head to the tail, paralleling an increase in the intrinsic musculature. The intramural and interductular innervation of epididymal body and tail shows clear seasonal variations: More fibers and stronger reactions are observed during the winter season; the lowest density and the weakest reactions occur during the summer season. All epididymal nerves of the camel are unmyelinated. The majority of the intramural fibers and all in the arterial wall represent postjunctional sympathetic axons, but in the intramural plexuses of the duct a considerable number of cholinergic fibers are also present. Neuropeptide Y is the most frequent peptidergic transmitter and generally co-localized with dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in the sympathetic axons. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide has a distribution similar to that of the cholinergic fibers. Calcitonin gene-related peptide-positive axons occur in moderate numbers, but never in the arterial innervation. Together with the relatively rare substance P-containing fibers, the calcitonin gene-related peptide-positive axons seem to represent the only sensory nerves in the camel epididymis.
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PMID:On the intrinsic innervation of the epididymis of the camel (Camelus dromedarius). 1220 Oct 39

The feline urogenital junction is situated between the extratesticular rete and the spacious initial segments of the efferent ductules. The rete epithelium is cuboidal to low columnar. The rete cells forming the junction rest on a wavy basal lamina, display deep mutual invaginations, possess central nuclei with several infoldings and form a distinct border with the columnar epithelial cells of the initial segments of the ductuli efferentes. The epithelium of the initial segments is composed of ciliated cells and non-ciliated principal cells. The latter are the dominating type and characterized by an apical brush-border and a supranuclear endocytotic apparatus. The stroma of the extratesticular rete contains an abundance of collagen whereas contractile cells are here generally absent. In contrast, the initial segments of the efferent ductules are surrounded by elastic fibres and a layer of contractile cells. All nerves for the feline urogenital junction come from the nervus spermaticus superior. In the epididymal head, small nerve bundles deviate into the septa between the ductules. Single fibres establish a dense network within the muscular coat of the ductuli. At the transition to the extratesticular rete, this network ends abruptly. Nerve fibres in the confines of the rete are associated with blood vessels or proceed to the testicular interior, but establish no relationships with the rete epithelium or the myofibroblasts of the mediastinum. The nervous network in the walls of the efferent ductules and their initial segments is not only composed of sympathetic but also parasympathetic, non-myelinated fibres. Particularly noteworthy is the abundance of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)- and substance P (SP)-containing axons around the initial segments. Both neuroproteins are consistent markers for sensory neurones. Taken together, it can be assumed that the entry of seminal fluid and spermatozoa into the efferent ductules is controlled by a regulatory nervous chain provided with afferent and efferent components.
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PMID:Morphology and innervation pattern of the feline urogenital junction. 1554 Sep 89

The sensory innervation of white adipose tissue (WAT) is indicated by the labeling of sensory bipolar neurons in the dorsal root ganglion after retrograde dye placement into WAT. In addition, immunoreactivity (ir) for sensory-associated neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P in WAT pads also supports the notion of WAT sensory innervation. The function of this sensory innervation is unknown but could involve conveying the degree of adiposity to the brain. In tests of total body fat regulation, partial surgical lipectomy triggers compensatory increases in the mass of nonexcised WAT, ultimately resulting in restoration of total body fat levels in Siberian hamsters and other animals. The signal that triggers this compensation is unknown but could involve disruption of WAT sensory innervation that accompanies lipectomy. Therefore, a local and selective sensory denervation was accomplished by microinjecting the sensory nerve neurotoxin capsaicin bilaterally into epididymal WAT (EWAT) of Siberian hamsters, whereas controls received vehicle injections. Additional hamsters had bilateral EWAT lipectomy (EWATx) or sham lipectomy. As seen previously, EWATx resulted in significantly increased retroperitoneal WAT (RWAT) and inguinal WAT (IWAT) masses. Capsaicin treatment significantly decreased CGRP- but not tyrosine hydroxylase-ir, attesting to the diminished and selective sensory innervation. Capsaicin-treated hamsters also had increased RWAT and, to a lesser degree, IWAT mass largely mimicking the WAT mass increases seen after lipectomy. Collectively, these data suggest the possibility that information related to peripheral lipid stores may be conveyed to the brain via the sensory innervation of WAT.
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PMID:White adipose tissue sensory nerve denervation mimics lipectomy-induced compensatory increases in adiposity. 1586 Jun 51


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