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Prostate innervation
K T McVary1, K E McKenna, C Lee
1Department of Urology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611-3009, USA.
The Prostate. Supplement
|August 5, 1998
Summary
The autonomic nervous system, not just hormones, influences prostate growth and function. Nerves play a key role in prostate development and secretory activity, impacting gland integrity.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Prostate growth traditionally attributed solely to endocrine control.
- Emerging evidence suggests a significant role for the autonomic nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of neural innervation in prostate growth, maturation, and function.
- To explore the impact of autonomic nervous system on prostatic secretory activity and structural integrity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of adrenergic and muscarinic receptors and nerve fibers in the prostate.
- Evaluation of effects of denervation (sympathectomy and parasympathectomy) on prostate integrity.
- Assessment of afferent sensory innervation patterns.
Main Results:
- Prostate exhibits high density of alpha-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors, suggesting catecholamine influence on growth.
- Cholinergic nerves are associated with glandular epithelium, indicating a role in secretion.
- Denervation leads to loss of prostate functional and structural integrity.
- Sensory nerves from L5-L6 segments are the primary afferent input, with smaller contributions from T13-L2.
Conclusions:
- Autonomic nervous system plays a fundamental regulatory role in prostate function and growth, complementing endocrine control.
- Neural pathways are crucial for maintaining prostate structural and functional integrity.
- Understanding prostatic innervation offers potential for insights into prostate diseases.