Contractile activity of the prostate at ejaculation: an electrophysiologic study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Reproductive Physiology
• Animal Models

Background:

• The role of prostatic contractions during ejaculation is not well-documented in scientific literature.
• Understanding prostatic function is crucial for reproductive health and urological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hypothesis that the prostate contracts during ejaculation to facilitate the expulsion of its secretions.
• To provide empirical evidence for prostatic contractions during the ejaculatory process.

Main Methods:

• Electromyographic activity of canine prostates was recorded using electrodes.
• Prostatic urethral pressure was measured simultaneously with manometric catheters.
• Recordings were taken at rest and during ejaculation induced by penile electrovibration.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in prostatic slow waves (SWs) and action potentials (APs) was observed during ejaculation (P < 0.05).
• Prostatic urethral pressure also significantly increased during ejaculatory bouts (P < 0.05).
• These increases in electrical activity and pressure occurred concurrently with ejaculatory spurts.

Conclusions:

• Prostatic electrical activity at rest may induce contractions, leading to increased urethral pressure.
• The observed increases in electrical variables and urethral pressure during ejaculation suggest intermittent prostatic smooth muscle contractions.
• These contractions likely play a role in propelling prostatic secretions into the prostatic urethra.