Contractility of the epididymal duct: function, regulation and potential drug effects
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Contractility of the epididymal duct: function, regulation and potential drug effects. / Elfgen, V; Mietens, A; Mewe, M; Hau, T; Middendorff, R.
in: REPRODUCTION, Jahrgang 156, Nr. 4, 01.10.2018, S. R125–R141.Publikationen: SCORING: Beitrag in Fachzeitschrift/Zeitung › SCORING: Review › Forschung
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Contractility of the epididymal duct: function, regulation and potential drug effects
AU - Elfgen, V
AU - Mietens, A
AU - Mewe, M
AU - Hau, T
AU - Middendorff, R
N1 - 2018 Society for Reproduction and Fertility
PY - 2018/10/1
Y1 - 2018/10/1
N2 - During their transit through the epididymis, spermatozoa mature and acquire motility and fertilizing capacity. The smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the epididymal duct are thought to be responsible for the adequate transport of spermatozoa. Thus, precise regulation of SMC function also represents a prerequisite for sperm maturation thereby contributing to male fertility. In this review, we would like to highlight various aspects of epididymal SMC function and discuss several angles with respect to regulation of contraction and relaxation. Different to the vas deferens, where disturbed SMC pathways resulting in male infertility could be defined, comparable information is missing in the epididymis. We therefore include some vas deferens data which could also be useful for a better understanding of epididymal SMC function. Furthermore, we would like to draw attention to drugs used in clinical practice and their potential (side) effects on contractions in the epididymis.
AB - During their transit through the epididymis, spermatozoa mature and acquire motility and fertilizing capacity. The smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the epididymal duct are thought to be responsible for the adequate transport of spermatozoa. Thus, precise regulation of SMC function also represents a prerequisite for sperm maturation thereby contributing to male fertility. In this review, we would like to highlight various aspects of epididymal SMC function and discuss several angles with respect to regulation of contraction and relaxation. Different to the vas deferens, where disturbed SMC pathways resulting in male infertility could be defined, comparable information is missing in the epididymis. We therefore include some vas deferens data which could also be useful for a better understanding of epididymal SMC function. Furthermore, we would like to draw attention to drugs used in clinical practice and their potential (side) effects on contractions in the epididymis.
KW - Journal Article
KW - Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
U2 - 10.1530/REP-17-0754
DO - 10.1530/REP-17-0754
M3 - SCORING: Review article
C2 - 30304934
VL - 156
SP - R125–R141
JO - REPRODUCTION
JF - REPRODUCTION
SN - 1470-1626
IS - 4
ER -