Sympathetic efferent pathways projecting to the prostate in the dog.
BACKGROUND
The laterality of the signals passing through the splanchnic nerves to each lobe of the prostate has not been studied.


METHODS
Bilateral distribution of sympathetic signal to both lobes of the canine prostate was determined by measuring contraction of the prostate by stimulation of thoracolumbar splanchnic nerves with or without transection of unilateral hypogastric nerve (HGN).


RESULTS
The 2nd-5th lumbar splanchnic nerve (LSN) stimulation elicited prostatic contraction. Twenty-five of 27 right LSN stimulations elicited contraction of the lobe, 21 bilaterally and 4 unilaterally. Twenty-three of 25 left LSN stimulations elicited contraction of the lobe, 22 bilaterally and one unilaterally. The above stimulations did not elicit a dominant response in the lobe of the stimulated side. After transection of the right HGN, right and left LSN stimulation elicited contraction of the lobe bilaterally and did not induce dominant response in the lobe of the non-lesioned side. After transection of the left HGN, similar results were obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that each of the LSNs sends signals to bilateral lobes via multiple routes with two crossing sites at the level of the caudal mesenteric plexus and prostate, and that the signals elicit contraction of the lobe without a dominant side.
Yonese
J
J
Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. jyonese@gyn.jfcr.or.jp
Kihara
K
K
Sato
K
K
Fukuda
H
H
Kamata
S
S
Oshima
H
H
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D004525:Efferent Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology; D011467:Prostate / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology; D013153:Splanchnic Nerves / Q000502:physiology*; D014159:Transducers / Q000662:veterinary