title: The contractile phenotype of peritubular smooth muscle cells is locally controlled: possible implications in male fertility.
abstract: The contractile activity of peritubular tissue is responsible for the propulsion of spermatozoa along the lumen of seminiferous tubules toward the hilum of the testis. This function is performed by specialized contractile cells [peritubular smooth muscle cells (PSMC)] in response to the locally produced agonist, endothelin (ET). Here, we review current information on the complex ET-mediated control of peritubular contractility. In addition, we report new data demonstrating that the relaxant peptide adrenomedullin is produced by Sertoli cells and interferes with ET-mediated contraction of PSMC. Given the relevance of the seminiferous tubule sperm output for male fertility, the detailed definition of the mechanisms controlling peritubular contractility could contribute in different ways to novel therapeutic opportunities and provide potential targets for contraceptive strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Romano
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tripiciano
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Muciaccia
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: De Cesaris
authors.forename: Elio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ziparo
authors.forename: Fioretta
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Palombi
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Filippini
mesh_terms: D053607:Adrenomedullin; D016232:Endothelins / Q000502:physiology; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000166:cytology*; D010455:Peptides / Q000502:physiology; D010641:Phenotype; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000166:cytology*
chemical_list: D016232:Endothelins; D010455:Peptides; D053607:Adrenomedullin