Cholinergic innervation and function in the prostate gland.

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Urology
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Prostate function is regulated by hypogastric and pelvic nerves.
• Noradrenergic innervation and adrenoceptors are well-studied, but cholinergic roles are less understood.
• This review focuses on acetylcholine and cholinoceptors in prostate physiology and pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of acetylcholine and cholinoceptors in prostate function.
• To discuss co-localized neuropeptides and their roles.
• To examine muscarinic receptor subtypes and their functions in the prostate.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on cholinergic innervation of the prostate.
• Analysis of studies on acetylcholine, cholinesterase, and acetylcholine transporter.
• Examination of research on muscarinic receptors (M1, M2, M3) in prostate epithelium and stroma.

Main Results:

• A dense network of cholinergic fibers suggests acetylcholine modulates prostatic secretions and smooth muscle tone.
• Muscarinic receptors are predominantly located in the prostate epithelium, indicating a secretomotor role.
• Different muscarinic receptor subtypes mediate smooth muscle contraction in various species, with specific subtypes identified in human prostate epithelium, stroma, and cancer cell lines.

Conclusions:

• Acetylcholine and muscarinic receptors are crucial for prostate function, influencing secretions and smooth muscle.
• Muscarinic receptors may play a role in normal, benign, and malignant prostate growth.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex roles of cholinergic signaling in the prostate.