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alpha(2a) and alpha(2c) adrenoceptors on spinal neurons controlling penile erection
1Groupe de Recherche en Urologie, UPRES EA 1602, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, 63 rue Gabriel Péri, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
Neuroscience
|October 16, 2002
Summary
This study investigated alpha(2a)- and alpha(2c)-adrenoceptor subtypes in rat spinal cord neurons controlling erection. Findings suggest these receptors modulate autonomic control of penile function via pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Urology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The spinal cord's sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons control pelvic organs, including the penis.
- These neurons receive input from the brainstem and express alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and location of alpha(2a)- and alpha(2c)-adrenoceptor subtypes in sympathetic and parasympathetic preganglionic neurons involved in penile erection in rats.
Main Methods:
- Adult male rats received pseudorabies virus injections into the penis.
- Transsynaptic axonal transport of the virus was traced.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect alpha(2a)- and alpha(2c)-adrenoceptor subtypes.
Main Results:
- Pseudorabies virus-infected neurons were identified in specific spinal cord segments (T12-L2 and L6-S1).
- Alpha(2a)- and alpha(2c)-adrenoceptor subtypes were found in these infected neurons and surrounding fibers.
- Infected neurons showed immunoreactivity for both subtypes and were closely associated with immunoreactive fibers.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests intraspinal modulation of autonomic outflow to the penis.
- Both pre- and postsynaptic alpha(2) adrenoceptors likely play a role in regulating noradrenergic and adrenergic control of penile erection.