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Endothelins in canine genitourinary tissues
P Langenstroer1, R Tang, B Divish
1Department of Urology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.
The Journal of Urology
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Endothelins are present and active in canine genitourinary tissues. Endothelin-1 (ET1) causes significant contraction in the bladder and prostate, while Endothelin-3 (ET3) has a lesser effect.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
Background:
- Endothelins are potent vasoactive peptides.
- Their role in the genitourinary (GU) tract is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the functional effects of endothelin-1 (ET1) and endothelin-3 (ET3) in canine GU tissues.
- To immunohistochemically localize ET1 and measure tissue levels of immunoreactive endothelin (irET).
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) for ET1 levels.
- Immunohistochemical staining for ET1.
- Isometric tension studies on canine GU tissues.
Main Results:
- IrET was found in the vas deferens, ureter, prostate, bladder, and urethra.
- ET1 induced significant concentration-dependent contractions in the bladder base, bladder body, and prostate.
- ET1's maximal tension (Emax) was 20-fold greater in the bladder compared to the prostate.
- ET3 elicited significantly lower Emax in the bladder and no response in the prostate.
- ET-like immunoreactivity localized to prostate glandular epithelium and bladder transitional epithelium.
Conclusions:
- Endothelins are widespread in the canine lower GU tract, primarily in epithelial tissues.
- Endothelins are functionally active in canine GU tissues.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific roles of endothelins in GU physiology and pathophysiology.