Mp66-07 Atypical Smooth Muscle Cells in the Mouse Corpus Cavernosum Express Key Neurotransmission Pathway Genes

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction: Basic Research & Pathophysiology (MP66)1 May 2024MP66-07 ATYPICAL SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS IN THE MOUSE CORPUS CAVERNOSUM EXPRESS KEY NEUROTRANSMISSION PATHWAY GENES Karen I. Hannigan, Emily B. Fox, and Caroline A. Cobine Karen I. HanniganKaren I. Hannigan , Emily B. FoxEmily B. Fox , and Caroline A. CobineCaroline A. Cobine View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001009468.01097.19.07AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the corpus cavernosum (CC) are thought to be directly targeted by neurotransmitters, however the CC is sparsely innervated. Platelet derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα)+ cells have been identified in the urinary bladder where they mediate inhibitory neurotransmission. Atypical SMCs (ASMCs) expressing PDGFRα, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (Myh11) and Anoctamin-1 (Ano1) are observed in the renal pelvis and are thought to drive mechanical activity in SMCs. ASMCs and PDGFRα+ cells are also present in mouse CC and could mediate neurotransmission. Cells isolated from CC tissues, presumed to be SMCs exhibit Ano1 currents and Ca2+ activity that can be altered by stimulation of either the adrenergic or nitrergic pathway. This study aims to investigate the expression of proteins involved with neural signaling pathways within these cell types. METHODS: PDGFRα+ cells and ASMCs isolated from the CC of mice selectively expressing eGFP in PDGFRα+ cells (PDGFRα+-eGFP mice) were sorted using FACS. Expression of nitrergic and adrenergic neurotransmission targets were examined in enriched cell populations. Nitrergic and adrenergic neurons were identified with antibodies against neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) respectively. RESULTS: Sparsely distributed nNOS+ and TH+ nerve varicosities were observed in the CC. Subunits of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), the target of nitrergic neurotransmission were highly expressed in PDGFRα+ cells and ASMCs. Protein kinase G (PKG; Prkg1), an effector protein of the NO pathway was highly expressed in ASMCs compared to PDGFRα+ cells. Evaluation of the expression of adrenergic receptors α1-AR (Adra1a) and α2-AR (Adra2a) revealed that the predominant receptor was α1-AR, with ASMCs expressing Adra1a more robustly than in PDGFRα+ cells. CONCLUSIONS: This data suggests that inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters released in the CC may mediate their effects through PDGFRα+ cells and ASMCs. An important area for future study is to further characterize these cell types as they may represent a therapeutic target for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Source of Funding: AUA Research Scholar Award to KIH, NIH DK129528 to CAC, NIH P20GM130459 for imaging and molecular cores © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e1088 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Karen I. Hannigan More articles by this author Emily B. Fox More articles by this author Caroline A. Cobine More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...