title: Paracrine/autocrine regulation of anion secretion in the epididymis: role of angiotensin II.
abstract: Accumulated evidence has suggested that anion secretion in the epididymis may be subject to local paracrine/autocrine control in addition to neural and humoral regulation. The present paper reviews recent studies presenting evidence for the presence of major components of a tissue renin-angiotensin system in the rat epididymis and the regulatory effect of angiotensin II (Ang II) on epididymal anion secretion. The mechanisms for local generation of Ang II and its local action are discussed. The importance of paracrine/autocrine roles of Ang II in the maintenance of epididymal functions, as well as sperm functions is also addressed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: P Y
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D000838:Anions / Q000378:metabolism*; D004822:Epididymis / Q000378:metabolism*; D006728:Hormones / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D000838:Anions; D006728:Hormones; D000804:Angiotensin II