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At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

Effect of denervation or castration on steroid receptors in rat bulbocavernosus/levator ani muscles.

Alterations in cytosolic glucocorticoid (GR) and androgen receptors (AR) in atrophic rat bulbocavernosus/levator ani muscles (BCLA) were investigated. The BCLA was removed 15 days after denervation (DEN) of the right part of BCLA or castration (CAS) and compared with the innervated left part of BCLA (INN) or the BCLA from sham-operated rats (SHAM). Receptor analyses were performed using charcoal adsorption or agar-gel electrophoresis. The main results were: (1) no alterations in KD were observed; (2) GR were increased in DEN compared to INN when expressed per mg cytosolic protein (P less than 0.0001) or g tissue (P less than 0.0002) as well as in DEN compared to SHAM when expressed per mg protein (P less than 0.0002) or g tissue (P less than 0.0003); (3) GR were increased in CAS compared to SHAM when calculated per mg protein (P less than 0.05) or g tissue (P less than 0.04); (4) no differences between DEN and INN or SHAM were noted when results were expressed per mg DNA; (5) AR were increased in CAS compared to SHAM only when expressed per mg protein (P less than 0.003); (6) GR/AR was increased in DEN compared to INN (P less than 0.0001) or SHAM (P less than 0.0006), but unaltered in CAS compared to SHAM. The data reflect differences in the behaviour of GR and AR in the atrophic BCLA and suggest a relative increase in sensitivity to glucocorticoids compared to androgens in the DEN muscle.

Adrenalectomy↗
PubMed1989

Depressed translational activity in the androgen sensitive levator ani muscle of the rat.

The androgen-dependent levator ani (LA) muscle of the rat provides a suitable model to explore the molecular mechanism of steroid hormone action in target tissues. The objective of the present series of experiments was to study the effect of gonadectomy (GDX) and androgen replacement therapy on the in vitro protein synthetic capacity of the LA muscle. The incorporation of labeled methionine into the contractile protein fraction of the LA muscle maintained in organ culture decreases in a time-dependent manner following GDX. Translation of total polyadenylated mRNA in the rabbit reticulocyte translation system revealed that the decrease in protein synthetic capacity was not associated with differences in the template activity of the mRNA derived from GDX tissue. However, when polyribosomes were used to direct the same in vitro synthesis system, a significant time-dependent loss of translational activity was observed following GDX. The polyribosomes of the LA muscle of control and GDX rats were shown to contain equivalent amount of rRNA and mRNA of comparable translation efficiency. Collectively the results of these experiments indicate that the decrease in protein synthetic capacity of the LA muscle in androgen deficient rats is due, in part, to a repression of the translation process associated to the functional integrity of polyribosomes.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Testosterone-induced changes of choline acetyl-transferase and cholinesterase activities in rat levator ani muscle.

One year after castration the activities of choline acetyltransferase (ChAc) and of cholinesterase (ChE) in the levator ani (LA) muscle of male rats were lowered by 42 and 79% respectively. The weight of the muscle corresponded to 15% of control values. These changes were not accompanied by a decrease in the number of the muscle fibres. Treatment with testosterone rapidly increased the activity of ChAc and the weight of the muscle near to control values; the restoration of ChE was less complete. Testosterone produced an increase in the size of the muscle fibres and increased the histochemically observed activity of ChE in the postsynaptic part of the motor end-plates. In non-castrated rats the administration of testosterone increased the weight ofthe LA muscle, but was not accompanied by an increase of ChAc above control values.

Acetyltransferases↗
PubMed1994

Physiology and mechanics of rat levator ani muscle: evidence for a sexual function.

The levator ani (LA) of male rodents is a classic model tissue for the study of hormone-muscle interactions, although its functions remain unknown. Recordings during copulation from chronic electromyographic (EMG) electrodes in the LA and bulbospongiosus (BS) revealed that EMG activity in the LA and BS was tightly coordinated. The LA was not active during noncopulatory behaviors, including the 1-min interval surrounding defecation. Electrical stimulation of the LA motor nerves increased penile bulb pressure. Increases in penile bulb pressure following BS nerve stimulation were markedly attenuated after LA denervation and were reduced further by LA removal. Stimulation of the LA nerve yielded insignificant changes in rectal pressure. Perineal motion analysis demonstrated that the LA acts upon the penile bulb and the surrounding BS exclusively. Apparently the rodent LA muscle is an active component in a highly coordinated neuromuscular system augmenting penile erection and, contrary to its name, is most unlikely to participate in alimentary function.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Androgenic, not estrogenic, steroids alter neuromuscular synapse elimination in the rat levator ani.

Developmental synapse elimination in the rat levator ani (LA) muscle is sensitive to gonadal androgen. This process occurs faster in castrated male rats that lack gonadal testosterone and is largely prevented by testosterone treatment. Because testosterone can be irreversibly converted into either androgenic metabolites such as dihydrotestosterone or estrogenic metabolites such as estradiol, the present experiment sought to determine which of these metabolites account for testosterone's effect. Male rat pups at postnatal day 7 (P7) were castrated and given daily subcutaneous injections of one of 5 possible treatments for 3 weeks (P7-P28): (1) testosterone propionate (TP), (2) dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP), (3) estradiol benzoate (EB), (4) a combination of DHTP and EB or (5) sesame oil vehicle. At the end of treatment, the LA and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were dissected and their motor nerve terminals were stained with tetranitroblue tetrazolium. Hormone effects on synapse elimination were evaluated by counting the number of motor axons that contacted individual muscle fibers. The lumbosacral spinal cord was also dissected and processed histologically to examine the motoneurons in the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB), which innervates the LA. Hormone effects on SNB motoneuron size were assessed by measuring the cross-sectional area of SNB motoneuronal somata and nuclei. We report that DHTP mimics the effects of TP on synapse elimination in the LA muscle, but that EB, acting either alone or together with DHTP, has little or no effect on this process. Synapse elimination in the EDL was unaffected by any hormone treatment. TP or DHTP, but not EB, increase the size of SNB motoneurons. We conclude that testosterone or its androgenic metabolites influence synapse elimination in the LA and probably exert these effects via androgen receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Effect of sex hormones on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in rat levator ani muscle.

We studied the influence of sex hormones using the hormone-sensitive levator ani muscle as a model tissue and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase as an indicator of hormone action. Injection of testosterone or estradiol cause a 50% increase in the specific activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The effect was dose-dependent, and was maximal at a dose of 2.5mg/100g body weight. Estradiol increased glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase as early as 8 h after injection, while testosterone required 12 h. Injection of estradiol on 2 successive days increased enzyme activity by 80%. The effect of estradiol was abolished by actinomycin D, suggesting enzyme induction. The results indicate a direct effect of estrogen on striated muscle.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Protein phenotype and gene expression in the rat perineal levator ani muscle.

The rat perineal levator ani (LA) and bulbocavernosus (BC) muscles are homogeneously type 2B fibers as determined by Ca, Mg-ATPase activity. The LA and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles contain similar quantities of creatine kinase and several glycolytic enzymes despite significant differences in fiber composition. The LA muscles synthesizes and accumulates only the fast isoforms of protein C, myosin heavy chain and myosin light chains.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Levator ani thickness variations in symptomatic and asymptomatic women using magnetic resonance-based 3-dimensional color mapping.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to develop and test a 3-dimensional (3D) color thickness mapping technique on levator ani imaged with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: Supine MRI datasets from 30 women were studied: 10 asymptomatic, 10 with urodynamic stress incontinence, and 10 with pelvic organ prolapse. Levators were manually outlined, and thickness mapping applied. Three-dimensional models were colored topographically, reflecting levator thickness. Thickness and occurrences of absent levator substance (gaps) were compared across the 3 groups, using nonparametric statistical tests. RESULTS: Color thickness mapping was successful in all subjects. There were statistically significant differences in thickness and gap percentages among the 3 groups of women, with thicker, bulkier levators in asymptomatic women, compared with women with prolapse or urodynamic stress incontinence. CONCLUSION: Color thickness mapping is feasible. It may be used to compare levators in symptomatic and asymptomatic women, to study relationships between levator thickness and pelvic floor dysfunction. This technique can be used in larger studies for hypothesis testing.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Immunohistochemical evidence for the interaction between levator ani and pudendal motor neurons in the coordination of pelvic floor and visceral activity in the squirrel monkey.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the spinal distribution of afferent and efferent pathways that innervate the levator ani (LA) muscle in the female squirrel monkey. STUDY DESIGN: Cholera toxin B (CTB) was injected unilaterally into the LA muscle of 5 monkeys to identify primary sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and motor neurons in the spinal cord that contribute fibers to the LA nerve. Fluoro-Gold (FG) was injected into the external anal sphincter of 2 of these animals to label pudendal motor neurons (1 of these animals underwent unilateral LA neurectomy before CTB injection). Spinal cord and DRG were processed for immunofluorescence 3 to 7 days after injections. RESULTS: Retrograde transport of CTB from the LA muscle labeled primary afferent neurons in the ipsilateral DRG, their central projections, and motor neurons in the medial portion of the ipsilateral ventral horn of the spinal cord (L7-S2 segments). Injection of FG into the external anal sphincter labeled cells in Onuf's nucleus, primarily in L7. Importantly, CTB-labeled LA motor neurons were virtually absent in Onuf's nucleus, where all pudendal motor neurons are located. CTB-labeled processes were observed within Onuf's nucleus, adjacent to FG-labeled pudendal motor neurons, and appeared to derive from dendrites of LA motor neurons that project into Onuf's nucleus. CONCLUSION: The LA muscle has a distinct innervation with very little or no contribution from the pudendal nerve. The intriguing labeling of LA neural elements within a nucleus that innervates the external urethral and anal sphincters (involved in pelvic visceral control) may represent a neuroanatomic substrate for physiologic integration of spinal and supraspinal inputs for the coordination of pelvic floor and visceral activity.

Afferent Pathways↗
PubMed2005

Appearance of the levator ani muscle in pregnancy as assessed by 3-D MRI.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe levator ani (LA) anatomy in postterm nulliparas using 3-dimensional (3-D) magnetic resonance (MR). STUDY DESIGN: Nulliparas (n = 84) with uncomplicated, postterm pregnancies underwent an MR (4 mm slices, 0 gap) of the uterus and pelvis. LA volume and morphometry were assessed using 3-D post-processing software. RESULTS: LA insertion into the symphysis was visible in 93%, and the iliococcygeus muscle assumed a convex shape (arch) in the 92% of the 84 women. The LA shape was characterized as "U" in 53% and "V" in 47%. Mean LA volume was 13.5 (3.7) cm3. There was a positive association between LA volume and higher fetal station (P = .02) and increasing BMI (P < .001). However, no relationship between LA volume and station was found after adjusting for BMI. CONCLUSION: BMI was correlated with LA volume in postterm nulliparas. LA insertion into the symphysis and the iliococcygeus arch were well-preserved overall and morphometry was variable.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

A case of freemartin with atresia recti and ani in Japanese Black calf.

A female Japanese Black calf was born on 25 March 2003 at Hiroshima University Farm as a co-twin to a male Japanese Black calf. The male calf showed no external urogenital abnormalities. The absence of anal opening and external features of freemartinism were observed in the female. A small opening to the vulva (about 1.5 cm in length) with fused lips and a prominent clitoris were seen. The hair around the vulva was 3.5 cm in length and was heavy and dense. The distance from the vulva to the atretic anus was 9.0 cm. There were no other detectable abnormalities on physical examination. The PCR-based DNA test showed male-specific sequences confirming the calf to be freemartin. At autopsy 1 day after the calf birth, the gonads were found to be small and hard and the left uterine horn showed segmental aplasia near its proximal end. Two seminal glands (remnants of mesonephric duct) were located on both sides of the uterine body. A cervix was absent. The vagina was underdeveloped and looked like a tubual structure. The rectal end was closed, while the distance from the end of the atretic rectum to the absent anal opening was about 4.0 cm. On histological examination, the gonads exhibited extensive morphologic alteration; there was no cortex with the absence of ovarian structures. The seminal glands consisted of hypoplastic glandular tissue surrounded by extensive fibrous connective tissue. In conclusion, this is a case report of a freemartin with atresia recti and ani.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed2004

Phosphorylation of p70s6 kinase is implicated in androgen-induced levator ani muscle anabolism in castrated rats.

Androgens are known to increase muscle mass, strength and muscle protein synthesis. However, the molecular mechanisms by which androgens regulate skeletal muscle development remain poorly understood. The ribosomal protein kinase p70(s6k) is a regulator of ribosome biogenesis and plays an important role in the regulation of growth-related protein synthesis. The phosphorylation of p70(s6k) has been implicated in load-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy. In the current study, we determined the effect of DHT on the phosphorylation of p70(s6k) in the androgen-sensitive levator ani muscle of castrated rats. DHT induced a rapid increase in the phosphorylation of p70(s6k), which was detectable within 6 h after a single injection. Interestingly, DHT-induced phosphorylation of p70(s6k) occurred only in androgen-sensitive muscles, but not prostate and seminal vesicle. Co-administration of flutamide, an AR antagonist, inhibited DHT-induced p70(s6k) phosphorylation. While serum IGF-I levels were not changed by DHT treatment, IGF-I gene expression levels increased and the mRNA levels of IGFBP3 and IGFBP5 were suppressed in the LA muscle after DHT replacement in castrated rats. These results suggest that the phosphorylation of p70(s6k), likely via the IGF-I pathway, may play an important role in androgen-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy.

Androgen Receptor Antagonists↗
PubMed1989

Satellite cell proliferation and increase in the number of myonuclei induced by testosterone in the levator ani muscle of the adult female rat.

We injected adult female rats with 0.25 mg/100 g body weight of testosterone to test the sensitivity to androgens of the levator ani muscle (LAM). Testosterone induced marked hypertrophy characterized by fiber size enlargement, but did not increase the number of fibers. Morphological observations and quantitative data indicated that hypertrophy was accompanied by satellite cell proliferation between Days 1 and 3 after testosterone treatment, and by an increase in the number of myonuclei, which started between Days 2 and 3 after treatment. On Day 30, this increase reached 80% of the initial number of myonuclei. The new myonuclei seemed to result from satellite cell proliferation and from the fusion of some of them with preexistent muscle fibers. These results strongly suggest that testosterone-induced cell proliferation might have a role in developing the sexual dimorphism of the LAM. They also indicate the need to reconsider the currently accepted notion that sexual dimorphism is owing to female LAM involution.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Striated muscle fiber compositions of human male urethral rhabdosphincter and levator ani.

PURPOSE: We clarified the contractile properties of human male periurethral striated muscle fibers to better understand how the rhabdosphincter and the levator ani maintain urinary continence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Muscle specimens were obtained from 52 male patients who underwent radical prostatectomy or radical cystectomy. The specimens were frozen in liquid nitrogen. Frozen sections (10 microm thick) were stained with myofibrillar ATPase at different pH values (pH 4.2, 4.6 and 10.6), and evaluated for quantitative parameters and fiber type distribution. Myosin heavy chain analysis was performed using SDS-PAGE. RESULTS: Of all 52 cases 37 provided specimens that could be divided into the 2 major fiber types, type 1 (slow twitch) and type 2 (fast twitch). Although type 1 muscle fibers were predominant in RS and LA muscle groups (RS 69.6 +/- 2.7%, LA 67.0 +/- 2.0%), mean muscle fiber size was significantly smaller in RS (mean area 906 +/- 86 microm(2)) than in LA (mean area 2,967 +/- 170 microm(2)) (p <0.0001). In 11 specimens type 2 muscle fibers could be subdivided into types 2A (fast fatigue resistant) and 2B (fast fatigable). Type 2A fibers were significantly more prevalent than type 2B fibers (p <0.05). Likewise, MHC analysis of these 11 specimens found a significantly higher percentage of fiber type 2A expression products (MHC 2A) than of fiber type 2B expression products (MHC 2X) (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: RS and LA contribute to urinary continence mechanism by slow contraction. Moreover, the smaller mean size of muscle fibers in RS suggests more fatigue resistance compared with muscle fibers in LA because small fibers have a shorter diffusion distance for metabolic substrates. These results should help contribute to a more detailed understanding of the function of periurethral striated muscles in the human male.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Effect of levator ani muscle contraction on urethrovesical and anorectal pressures and role of the muscle in urination and defecation.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of levator ani muscle (LAM) (the main muscle in the pelvic floor) contraction on the anorectal and urethrovesical pressures and elucidate its role in the mechanisms of defecation and urination. METHODS: In 18 healthy volunteers (10 men and 8 women; mean age 38.6 +/- 10.2 years), the LAM was stimulated to contract by a concentric needle electrode, and the anal, rectal, urethral, and vesical pressure responses were recorded. The test was repeated once after LAM anesthetization with Xylocaine injection and again after saline instead of Xylocaine injection into the LAM. RESULTS: On LAM stimulation, the anal and urethral pressures had a significant decline (both P <0.05), and the rectal and vesical pressures exhibited no significant changes (both P >0.05). The anal, rectal, urethral, and vesical pressures did not show significant changes on stimulation of the anesthetized LAM; after saline injection, the pressure response was similar to that before injection (P >0.05). These results were reproducible. CONCLUSIONS: LAM contraction lowers the anal and urethral pressures and appears to assist in the evacuation process. We therefore propose that the LAM is a muscle of evacuation and that LAM dysfunction could lead to defecation and urination disorders.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Influence of raw materials and distillation equipment on the heavy metal content of waste from an alcoholic anis-type beverage.

This study focused on the heavy metal content waste resulting from the production of an anis-type beverage. Although natural ingredients were used in the production process, the waste contains heavy metals and is considered hazardous. Several metals were found in the waste (Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr and Cd), with concentrations of Fe to 157.5, Cu to 82.5, Zn to 31 and Ni to 8.5mg/l. To collect information on the source of these metals, the residues of the herbs used for flavoring were examined for processes employing metallic and non-metallic pot stills. Herbs distillation residues were found to contain metals in non-metallic stills, e.g. aniseed residues from glass stills contained Cu up to 1.02 and Ni up to 0.9 mg/l. Fennel residues contained Ni up to 1.2 and Zn up to 6.6mg/l. The main source for the metals was the bronze pot stills. The metals were in complexed form in the solution. The existence of metals in the amorphous phase as shown by a SEM micrograph indicates forming of metal-organic complexes, also verified by HPLC. Complexation data can be used for selecting the proper wash treatment method. The formation of large molecules favors precipitation and chemi-sorption treatment methods.

Alcoholic Beverages↗
PubMed2000

Ciliary neurotrophic factor increases muscle fiber number in the developing levator ani muscle of female rats.

In addition to its well characterized neurotrophic properties, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) also has myotrophic effects in several experimental paradigms. We have previously observed that the volume of the levator ani (LA) muscle is increased in female rats treated with CNTF during the perinatal period. In order to determine the cellular basis for the effect of CNTF on LA muscle volume, female rat pups were given daily perineal injections of CNTF or a control solution from postnatal day 1 through 6. Mean cross-sectional area of LA muscle fibers and LA fiber number were assessed on postnatal day 7. CNTF treatment increased LA muscle fiber number more than 300% while having no effect on LA fiber size. We conclude that CNTF prevents muscle fiber degeneration and/or increases myogenesis in the developing LA muscle.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

[Levator ani syndrome, functional intestinal disorders and articular abnormalities of the pelvis, the place of osteopathic treatment].

OBJECTIVES: Various treatments of the Levator ani syndrome (LVAS) have been proposed. None of them alleviate symptoms in more than 20% of the cases. A new approach combining massages of the coccygeus muscle with physical treatment of frequently associated pelvic joint disorders was assessed. The outcome of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) that is frequently associated was also studied. METHODS: One hundred and one patients (76 females and 25 males, mean age: 54 years) with a diagnosis of LVAS were studied prospectively over one year. Massages were given with a patient lying on the left side. Physical treatment of the pelvic joint disorders was given at the end of each massage session. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (46.5%) suffered both from LVAS and IBS. A mean of less than 2 sessions of treatment was necessary. Sixty-nine per cent of the patients were LVAS-free at 6 months (p<0.0001) and 10% were improved. At 12 months, 62% were still free of symptoms and 10% improved (p=0.37). A comparable trend according to the Rome II criteria was found in the IBS-patient group (53% IBS free initially, 78% at 6 months [p=0.00001], 72% at 12 months [p=1]). There was a significant correlation between the favorable outcome of IBS and the LVAS at 6 and 12 months. All IBS-free patients were LVAS-free at 6 months. CONCLUSION: The LVAS may be cured or alleviated in 72% of the cases at 12 months with one to 2 sessions. This new comprehensive treatment suggests the role of a muscular and osteoligamentary etiology in the LVAS. Since most of IBS benefitted from such treament, it is logical to suspect a mutual pathogeny and to screen for LVAS in all such patients.

Adult↗