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Pelvic plexus denervation in rats causes morphologic and functional changes of the prostate
L Martínez-Piñeiro1, R Dahiya, L L Nunes
1Department of Urology, University of California Medical School, San Francisco.
The Journal of Urology
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Pelvic plexus denervation significantly alters rat prostate morphology and function. Nerve integrity, not just hormones, is crucial for normal prostate gland activity and epithelial cell metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Prostate function is traditionally linked to hormonal regulation.
- The role of the nervous system in prostate physiology is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pelvic plexus denervation on the rat prostate's biochemical, morphological, and functional characteristics.
- To determine if the nervous system influences prostate function independently of hormonal control.
Main Methods:
- Unilateral pelvic ganglion removal in Sprague-Dawley rats, with the contralateral lobe serving as a control.
- Morphological analysis using light and electron microscopy.
- Biochemical analysis via sodium-dodecyl-sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to assess protein expression.
Main Results:
- Denervated prostate lobes exhibited decreased epithelial cell height and reduced supranuclear regions.
- Ultrastructural changes included fewer secretory granules and altered endoplasmic reticulum.
- SDS-PAGE revealed changes in protein expression, with increased 108 kDa and 80 kDa bands and decreased 45 kDa band.
Conclusions:
- Pelvic plexus denervation induces significant morphological and functional changes in the prostate glandular epithelium.
- Prostate function is influenced by the nervous system's integrity, not solely by hormonal milieu.
- Nerve supply plays a critical role in regulating prostate epithelial cell metabolism and secretory activity.