Hormonal influence on the neurogenic response of the hamster vas deferens

The effect of castration on in vitro contractility of smooth muscle of the vas deferens and body of the bladder has been studied in the hamster. Castration produced supersensitivity to in vitro electrical stimulation and norepinephrine in the vas deferens, but had no effect on the body of the bladder. Castration also increased the maximum contractile response of the vas deferens to electrical stimulation, norepinephrine, ATP, acetylcholine and histamine. The changes in contractility of smooth muscle of the vas deferens developed slowly and may be explained by specific effects upon adrenergic and purinergic neurotransmission and/or non-specific effects upon smooth muscle cell membranes.