Effects of various denervation techniques on the ATP of the rat vas deferens

Postganglionic denervation of the vas deferens of the rat by surgical means or pretreatment with 6-hydroxy-dopamine results in a substantial decrease in the concentration of ATP in the tissue. The loss of ATP cannot entirely be accounted for by the loss of neuronal ATP nor by a compromised blood supply. The results suggest that the postganglionic nerve plays an important role in the regulation of the ATP of the effector cells.