Autoradiographic localization of the dopaminergic agonist 3H-dihydroergotoxine within the male reproductive system.
By the use of combined radioreceptor binding and autoradiographic techniques, we analyzed the anatomical localization of the dopaminergic agonist 3H-dihydroergotoxine in tissue sections of rat male sex organs. The drug was bound by smooth muscle cells of the deferent duct, seminal vesicles and prostate gland as well as by the glandular tissue of seminal vesicles and prostate gland. These data allow us to hypothesize that the effect of dopaminergic agonists on male sexual function may be due, at least in part, to a direct interaction with dopamine receptors present in the reproductive organs.
Amenta
D
D
Department of Neurological Sciences, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Cavallotti
C
C
De Rossi
M
M
Ferrante
F
F
Amenta
F
F
D000818:Animals; D004088:Dihydroergotoxine / Q000378:metabolism*; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000294:innervation*; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000294:innervation; D011869:Radioligand Assay; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D012669:Seminal Vesicles / Q000294:innervation; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000294:innervation
D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D004088:Dihydroergotoxine