Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Seminal Vesicles”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 595 records · Page 33Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Post-natal development modulates the rat seminal vesicle sensitivity to sympathomimetic agonists.

The post-natal development-related changes in the sensitivity to sympathomimetic agonists were studied in the seminal vesicle of 40-, 60- and 120-day old rats by determining the pD2 values for adrenaline, phenylephrine and methoxamine. The age-related changes in the neuronal and extraneuronal uptake of sympathomimetic agonists were also determined. The seminal vesicle sensitivity to adrenaline, phenylephrine and methoxamine increased in sexually mature rats (60- and 120-day old) (concentration-effect curves shifted to the left and pD2 values increased) when compared with immature rats (40-day old). Cocaine, a neuronal uptake inhibitor, induced supersensitivity to adrenaline at all ages, but did not affect the sensitivity to methoxamine. The ratio between the EC50 values for adrenaline in the presence and in the absence of cocaine was reduced in tissues of mature animals. This reduction suggests a loss of function of the neuronal uptake system with sexual development. In the presence of cocaine the pD2 value for adrenaline was increased during sexual development. Thus, the age-related changes in the adrenaline sensitivity were observed even when neuronal uptake was not operative, suggesting age-related changes at the post-junctional level, which was confirmed by the increase in the seminal vesicle sensitivity to methoxamine. In the presence of the extraneuronal uptake inhibitor, corticosterone, the sensitivity to adrenaline did not change and the age-related changes persisted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age Factors↗
PubMed1988

Phosphocreatine, an intracellular high-energy compound, is found in the extracellular fluid of the seminal vesicles in mice and rats.

High levels of phosphocreatine, a compound known to serve as an intracellular energy reserve, were found in the fluid contained in seminal vesicle glands. The concentrations of phosphocreatine in the extracellular fluid in the mouse and rat were found to be 5.6 +/- 1.6 and 2.2 +/- 0.8 mumol/g, respectively, which are higher than the intracellular levels reported for smooth muscles. The creatine concentrations in the seminal vesicular fluid from these two species were 22.8 +/- 3.1 and 13.0 +/- 5.3 mumol/g, respectively. These creatine levels are approximately 100 and 65 times higher than the creatine levels in mammalian blood. Smaller amounts of ATP (phosphocreatine/ATP ratio of 20-40) and traces of ADP were also found. Comparison of the pattern of distribution of macromolecules (proteins and DNA) with the distribution of phosphocreatine between the cells and the fluid of the seminal vesicle indicates that cell lysis did not account for the phosphocreatine in the seminal vesicle fluid. Rather, the available evidence strongly suggests that this high-energy compound is actively secreted. We found that in the testes, the sperm are exposed to the highest known creatine concentration in any mammalian tissue studied. Based on these results and other recent reports, we propose that the extracellular phosphocreatine, ATP, and creatine are involved in sperm metabolism.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1984

Cystadenoma of the seminal vesicle. A case report.

Cystadenomas of the seminal vesicle are extremely rare benign tumours, which only have been reported seven times earlier in the literature. The first Danish case is reported with discussion of symptomatology, pathology and treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Nuclear shape and nuclear matrix protein composition in prostate and seminal vesicles.

OBJECTIVES: The nucleus controls cell function and behavior. The nuclear matrix determines internal nuclear changes. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis is the reference standard for the analysis of nuclear matrix protein (NMP) composition. Differences in NMP composition should therefore be reflected by changes in nuclear shape. We investigated the differences in NMP composition and nuclear morphometry of the prostate and seminal vesicles. Both tissues are androgen-dependent sex accessory organs with completely different biologic behavior. METHODS: High-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and silver staining were used to evaluate NMP composition from histologically normal prostate and seminal vesicle epithelial cells. Nuclear morphometry, performed using a computer-assisted image analysis system, described the distribution, variability, and extremes of nuclear shape. RESULTS: NMP composition analysis demonstrated that both tissues have a similar NMP composition, and tissue-specific NMPs that were consistently present in all specimens of each tissue could not be demonstrated. Nuclear morphometry showed a significantly greater heterogeneity in nuclear shape in the seminal vesicles than in the prostate. CONCLUSIONS: The striking similarity of the NMP composition demonstrates the close biologic relationship between prostate and seminal vesicle tissue. The similar NMP composition does not correlate with the marked alterations in nuclear shape and structure between these tissues. Therefore, nuclear morphometry may depict differences in the functional state of a similar set of NMPs, shown by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, which may be responsible for the different biologic behavior of these tissues.

Antigens, Nuclear↗
PubMed1976

Identification of 6-ketoprostaglandin F1alpha formed from arachidonic acid in bovine seminal vesicles.

The prostaglandin synthesizing system in bovine seminal vesicles was characterized by a radiometric assay. Two main products were formed from [1-14C]-arachidonic acid, and their structures were confirmed by mass spectrometry. The less polar product was identical with prostaglandin E2 and the more polar one was identical with a new prostaglandin, i.e., 6-ketoprostaglandin F1alpha.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

The role of the seminal vesicles, coagulating glands and prostate glands on the fertility and fecundity of mice.

Female mice were allowed to mate with males which had been sham-operated (Group 1); had seminal vesicles, coagulating glands and ventral and dorsal prostate glands removed (Group 2); had the seminal vesicles removed (Group 3); had the coagulating glands removed (Group 4) or had the ventral and dorsal prostate gland removed (Group 5). The pregnancy rate was normal in Groups 1 and 4, severely reduced in Groups 2 and 3 and less so in Group 5. Litter size was reduced in Groups 2 and 3 but not in Group 5. It is suggested that the seminal vesicles and possibly the prostate glands are important in the production of young in mice.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Polarized epithelial cells of the hamster seminal vesicle in a serum-free bicameral culture system: evidence of secretory and endocytic activities.

Primary cultures of epithelial cells from the hamster seminal vesicle were established in a chemically defined medium supplemented with hormones and growth factors. Epithelial cell clusters were prepared combining enzymatic dissociation and mechanical disaggregation and then seeded in bicameral systems equipped with collagen-membrane inserts. A growth curve was generated and the cells were characterized morphologically and morphometrically by light and electron microscopy. The immunocytochemical detection of cytokeratins and the measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance were also performed. The secretory activity was studied by fluorography using L-[35S]methionine as a precursor, and endocytosis was approached using horseradish peroxidase as a tracer. Our results show that epithelial cells of the seminal vesicle can be grown as a monolayer of morphological and functionally polarized cells which retain secretory and endocytic activities. These cell cultures might therefore prove useful to investigate further the regulation of secretion and endocytosis in the seminal vesicle and are a promising model to approach, in a broader scope, cell polarity and protein sorting and targeting.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Magnetic resonance tomography with endorectal coil for examination of prostate and seminal vesicles].

MRI with an endorectal coil gives images of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles of higher quality than any other imaging modality. The use of an endorectal coil enables us to sample stronger radiofrequency signals from the prostate gland and seminal vesicles compared to a whole-body coil. This improves the contrast resolution in MR images and may give a higher spatial resolution by use of thin slices and a smaller slice gap. Intravenous MRI contrast is not used in our standard procedure. At Haukeland University Hospital, Norway, MRI with an endorectal coil is presently used as a tool for solving special problems in relation to detection and staging of prostate cancer, for example in patients with an abnormal s-PSA and negative sextant biopsies from the prostate gland. Furthermore, MRI with an endorectal coil may be used for the diagnosis of some benign diseases. The specific role of MRI with an endorectal coil in clinical use is not clarified; further research is needed. This article gives a short overview of technical aspects, imaging protocols, image reading, indications and diagnostic criteria for some diseases.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed1985

Further regression of seminal vesicles of castrated guinea pig by administration of cyproterone acetate.

It has been established that a low level of secretory activity persisted in seminal vesicles of guinea pigs long after castration and that this may be due to a higher extratesticular androgen level in this animal. A RIA study revealed that the normal serum testosterone concentration of the guinea pigs was comparable to that of the rats, but the basal serum testosterone level after castration was ten times higher than rats under a similar condition. It was also shown that cyproterone acetate did not significantly lower the basal serum testosterone concentration in the castrated guinea pigs. The higher basal serum testosterone level is believed to be responsible for the slow and incomplete regression of this gland in the guinea pigs. There was a significant reduction in wet weight of the seminal vesicles after the treatment of castrated guinea pigs with cyproterone acetate. Ultrastructural study showed that there were both qualitative and quantitative changes in the cytoplasmic organelles. The Golgi apparatus further reduced in size and in the number of associated vesicles and vacuoles. There was a marked decrease in the number and size of secretory granules and lysosomes and an increase in the degree of undulation of the basement membrane. Accumulation of lipid droplets and glycogen was commonly observed. All these morphological evidences showed that further regression of the castrated guinea pig seminal vesicles can be achieved by cyproterone acetate treatment.

Animals↗
PubMed1969

Hormonal regulation of rat seminal vesicle sensitivity to adrenaline, noradrenaline, acetylcholine and acetyl-beta-methylcholine.

1. The influence of the hormonal condition of rats on the responsiveness of their seminal vesicles to drugs was investigated by determining pD(2) and alpha values for adrenaline, for noradrenaline, for acetylcholine and for acetyl-beta-methylcholine on isolated vesicles of normal, of castrated, and of oestradiol-treated castrated rats.2. pD(2) values of adrenaline, of noradrenaline, of acetylcholine and of acetyl-beta-methylcholine acting on seminal vesicles of castrated or of oestradiol-treated castrated rats were greater than the corresponding values obtained on the organs of normal rats. The differences were significant at the level P<0.001.3. Similar results were obtained for the relative intrinsic activity of noradrenaline and acetyl-beta-methylcholine.4. Consequently affinity of adrenaline, noradrenaline, acetylcholine and of acetyl-beta-methylcholine for their corresponding receptors and the stimulus produced by each unit of the noradrenaline-receptor or acetyl-beta-methylcholine-receptor complex were enhanced.5. The data indicate that an increase in the sensitivity of the smooth musculature of seminal vesicles to adrenaline and noradrenaline as well as to acetylcholine and acetyl-beta-methylcholine is obtained by castration, or by treatment with oestradiol following castration.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1990

Autoradiographic localization of [3H]oestradiol in epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate of the fetal guinea-pig.

The selective uptake and localization of radioactivity in the fetal male reproductive organs (epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate) of the guinea-pig (50-60 days of gestation) after in-vivo and in-situ subcutaneous injection of [3H]oestradiol was investigated by autoradiography. In 50-day-old fetuses, the different areas of the epididymis showed selective retention of radioactivity in the nuclei of peritubular and stromal cells surrounding the epididymal duct; no retention was observed in the epididymal epithelium. A similar distribution of silver grains was observed in the 60-day-old fetus. Seminal vesicles and prostate sections from both 50- and 60-day-old fetuses showed concentration and retention of radioactivity only in stromal cells, whereas the epithelium did not exhibit silver grains. In all the tissues studied, the nuclear labelling was abolished after injection of [3H]oestradiol plus a 100-fold excess of non-labelled oestradiol. As the mesenchyme surrounding the epithelia of the epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate were labelled selectively with [3H]oestradiol, it is suggested that during fetal life of the guinea-pig the mesenchymal stroma of these fetal male reproductive organs may be considered as a target tissue for oestrogen.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Effects of androgen manipulation on alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes in the rat seminal vesicle.

This study analyses possible changes during surgical and chemical castration in the expression and pharmacological characteristics of alpha1-adrenoceptor in adult rat seminal vesicle. Ribonuclease protection assays indicated that alpha1a--was the predominant mRNA, while alpha1b-and alpha1d-adrenoceptor transcripts were detected in lower abundance in this tissue. alpha1a-adrenoceptor mRNA expression presented a complex dependency on androgens, while alpha1b- and alpha1d-adrenoceptor transcripts were both upregulated with surgical and chemical castration, suggesting a negative modulation by androgens. Testosterone treatment reversed the effects caused by surgical castration. Functional studies confirmed the involvement of alpha1A- and alpha1B-adrenoceptor in the seminal vesicle contractile responses, and suggested that alpha1B-induced contractile response was upregulated after castration. Taken together, the results suggest that alpha1-adrenoceptor expression in seminal vesicle is differentially regulated by the androgen status of the rat.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists↗
PubMed1987

Comparison of seminal vesicle secretory proteins of rodents using antibody and nucleotide probes.

The copulatory vaginal plug is a conspicuous feature of rodent reproduction. The five major seminal vesicle secretory proteins of Rattus norvegicus (proteins I-V), which form the copulatory plug, constitute a closely related androgen-regulated family that appears to share a common evolutionary origin. The relationships between these rat proteins and the major seminal vesicle proteins of other rodents were explored using antibodies specific for the individual rat proteins. Immunoblotting of proteins separated by SDS-PAGE showed that the vesicular proteins of R. rattus are identical to those of R. norvegicus except for an additional protein related to protein III. No differences were seen in inbred and outbred strains of R. norvegicus. Of the major proteins of Mus musculus, one showed strong homology with rat protein II and three others were weakly homologous to proteins I, IV (or S) and V (or F); none showed homology to rat protein III. The only homology between the vesicular proteins of Mesocricetus auratus (Syrian hamster) and Meriones ungulatus (Mongolian gerbil) was with rat protein II while those of Cavia porcellus (guinea pig) showed no homology at all with the rat proteins. In addition, cDNA probes for rat genes IV and V both detected weak homologues in seminal vesicle RNA from mice but not guinea pigs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Ureteral seminal vesicle anomaly. Gross hematuria as presenting symptom.

An ectopic ureter ending in a seminal vesicle and associated with renal agenesis is a rare occurrence. There are no reports of this anomaly occurring with gross, total, painless hematuria as presenting symptom. Sonography and catheterization of the ejaculatory duct were the most helpful diagnostic studies used to demonstrate the abnormality. Surprisingly, on pathologic examination, the cystic area was not seminal vesicle but a dilated hemorrhagic ureter.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Monstrous epithelium in the seminal vesicles and epididymis].

Monstrous epithelial cells in seminal vesicles, causing diagnostical embarrassment , occur sometimes in fine needle-aspirates of prostate gland. Their frequency was studied in a group of autopsies (6 boys of the age from 6 hours to 10 years, mean age 3,1 years and 34 adult men of the age from 42 to 91 years, mean age 68,4 years). Monstrous cells did not occur in boys but were found in 73,5% of adults. There were similar epithelial monstrosities in epididymis simultaneously. Most of them were found in efferent ductuli (in 76,4%). Big monstrous epithelial cells with conspicuous irregular hyperchromatic nuclei are to be distinguished cautiously from the neoplastic ones. They may be caused by ageing and hormonal influence above all (in analogy to Arias-Stella phenomenon in women).

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Quantitative characterization of the autophagic process in mouse seminal vesicle cells in vitro.

Pieces of mouse seminal vesicles were incubated in vitro for 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, or 8 h and the autophagic vacuoles formed in the epithelial cells during incubation were counted. The vacuoles were defined as early or advanced forms by morphological criteria and the autophagic vacuole/cell ratios were determined for the early and the advanced autophagic vacuoles separately. The number of early autophagic vacuoles significantly increased in the first hours of incubation, it was the greatest in the 4th h and rapidly declined thereafter. The number of advanced vacuoles began to rise about 1.5 h later as compared to the early ones, reached its maximum in the 6th h and remained high even in the 8th h. It may be concluded that a wave-like process took place in these cells during the experiment, characterized by a short transient rise in the formation of autophagic vacuoles, and their subsequent transformation into advanced forms filled with degrading cytoplasmic fragments.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Nuclear envelope of the seminal-vesicle epithelium.

The nuclear envelope of seminal-vesicle epithelium was isolated by a procedure involving enzymic digestion with deoxyribonuclease I, sonication in the presence of 0.34 M-sodium citrate, and centrifugation through sucrose density gradients. The mass of envelope DNA was only 0.8% of that of envelope protein, and by transmission electron microscopy the envelope was 98-99% pure. We showed that the envelope possess a protein kinase activity which is uninfluenced by cyclic nucleotides. Both lysine-rich histone and dephosphophosvitin as substrates gave a greater specific activity than did envelope protein itself. Optimum requirements with respect to Na+, Mg2+, pH and ATP were established for each substrate, and the influence of other factors on enzyme activity was investigated. Data, obtained mainly with the use of lysine-rich histone, are presented which indicate that nuclear envelope from intact and 96 h-castrated guinea pigs may have equal protein kinase activities and, in separate experiments, equal phosphoprotein phosphatase activities. Clarification of these initial observations must await identification of the natural substrates or the envelope's phosphorylation-dephosphorylation reactions.

Animals↗