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Biomedical subjects

Cecil S Thompson

Publications and source records attributed to Cecil S Thompson.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

Gene therapy and erectile dysfunction: the current status.

Current available treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED) are effective but not without failure and/or side effects. Although the development of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (i.e. sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil) has revolutionized the treatment of ED, these oral medications require on-demand access and are not as effective in treating ED related to diabetic, post-prostatectomy and severe veno-occlusive disease states. Improvement in the treatment of ED is dependent on understanding the regulation of human corporal smooth muscle tone and on the identification of relevant molecular targets. Future ED therapies might consider the application of molecular technologies such as gene therapy. As a potential therapeutic tool, gene therapy might provide an effective and specific means for altering intracavernous pressure "on demand" without affecting resting penile function. However, the safety of gene therapy remains a major hurdle to overcome before being accepted as a mainstream treatment for ED. Gene therapy aims to cure the underlying conditions in ED, including fibrosis. Furthermore, gene therapy might help prolong the efficacy of the PDE5 inhibitors by improving penile nitric oxide bioactivity. It is feasible to apply gene therapy to the penis because of its location and accessibility, low penile circulatory flow in the flaccid state and the presence of endothelial lined (lacunar) spaces. This review provides a brief insight of the current role of gene therapy in the management of ED.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Doxazosin and serotonin (5-HT) receptor (1A, 2A, and 4) antagonists inhibit 5-HT-mediated human cavernosal contraction.

Penile erection results from the balance between relaxation and contractile mechanisms of the corpus cavernosum. Only a few studies suggest a role for endogenous contractile agents such as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Our aim was to confirm the possible role of 5-HT in human erection. The effect of 5-HT on human cavernosal tissues, as well as those of doxazosin (shown previously to have 5-HT inhibitory action), ketanserin (5-HT (2A) receptor antagonist), NAN-190 (5-HT (1A) receptor antagonist), and SB 203186 (5-HT (4) receptor antagonist) on 5-HT-mediated effects, were assessed using the organ bath technique, including electrical field stimulation study (EFS). Results are presented as median (mg/mg = mg contraction/mg of tissue). Consistent 5-HT-mediated (10(-3) M) contractions were demonstrated (n = 18; 63 mg/mg). These contractions were inhibited with ketanserin by 90% (n = 8), NAN-190 by 68% (n = 12), and SB 203186 by 55% (n = 12). Doxazosin showed a similar 5-HT inhibitory action in a concentration-dependent manner (10(-4) M; 94% reduction; n = 8, 10(-6) M; 68.3% reduction; n = 8). Our EFS studies indicated the presence of neuronally derived 5-HT and that a majority of the nonnoradrenogenic contraction (54%) was mediated via 5-HT(2A) receptors. These findings suggest that 5-HT may play a role in the human detumescence process via 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A), and 5-HT(4) receptors. Neuronally released 5-HT is probably an important contractile neurotransmitter in the erectile process. Doxazosin, ketanserin, and 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(4) receptor antagonists may be useful as part of combination therapy used to treat erectile dysfunction.

Adult↗

The purinergic component of human vas deferens contraction.

OBJECTIVE: To examine purinergic signaling in human vas deferens. DESIGN: To study contractile responses of the scrotal vas deferens. SETTING: Research department of a university teaching hospital. PATIENT(S): Undergoing vasectomy or orchidectomy (aged 27-88 years, n = 14). INTERVENTION(S): Vasectomy or orchidectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Strips of vas deferens were suspended in an organ bath and subjected to electrical stimulation to establish frequency-response curves. These stimulations were repeated in the presence of pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS, P2 receptor antagonist), prazosin (adrenergic alpha1 antagonist), and tetrodotoxin. Concentration-response curves were constructed to noradrenaline and the P2X agonists ATP and alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-meATP). The P2X receptor subtype distribution was assessed by immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies. RESULT(S): The response at 32 Hz in the presence of PPADS was reduced by 40% and in the presence of prazosin by 80%. Noradrenaline caused concentration-dependent contractions (EC50 = 11.8 microM). Contractions to ATP and alpha,beta-meATP (EC50 = 6.27 microM) suggested that the functional receptor was P2X1 and/or P2X3. However, immunohistochemistry demonstrated P2X1, but not P2X3, receptor immunoreactivity on the smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSION(S): This study demonstrated that ATP is a co-transmitter with noradrenaline in the contraction of the human vas deferens predominantly acting through the P2X1 receptor.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

The role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine1A and 1B) receptors in prostate cancer cell proliferation.

PURPOSE: Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), a monoamine neurotransmitter released by prostate neuroendocrine cells, has a fundamental role in tumor growth, differentiation and gene expression. We investigated the effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonists on the growth of prostate cancer cells and we identified 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor expression in PC3 cells and in human hormone refractory prostate cancer tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 preparations of hormone refractory PC3 human prostate cancer cells were incubated with 5-hydroxytryptamine, or the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists 5-hydroxytryptamine1A, 1B, 1D, 2, 3 or 4. After 72 hours cell viability was assessed using the crystal violet assay. PC3 cells treated with 5-hydroxytryptamine1A and 1B antagonists were investigated for apoptosis using flow cytometry. PC3 cells and sections of hormone refractory human prostate cancer tissue were studied by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: In PC3 cells 5-hydroxytryptamine caused dose dependent proliferation with a maximum increase of 15% in 12 preparations at a concentration of 10(-8) M at 72 hours compared to controls (p < 0.0001). At a concentration of 10(-4) M at 72 hours the 5HT1A antagonist NAN-190 hydrobromide and the 5-hydroxytryptamine1B antagonist SB224289 HCl (Tocris Laboratories, Bristol, United Kingdom) induced a 20% and 78% inhibitory effect, respectively, on PC3 cell growth compared to that in controls (p < 0.0001). In PC3 cells 5-hydroxytryptamine1A and 1B antagonists demonstrated apoptosis after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. Immunostaining for 5-hydroxytryptamine1A and 1B receptors was seen in PC3 cells and prostate cancer tissue. Western blot analysis demonstrated 5-hydroxytryptamine1A and 1B receptor proteins with 46 and 43 kDa bands, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In PC3 prostate cancer cells 5-hydroxytryptamine1A and to a greater extent 5-hydroxytryptamine1B antagonists significantly inhibit growth and induce apoptosis. To our knowledge growth inhibition caused by the 5-hydroxytryptamine1B antagonist SB224289 HCl is a novel finding, as is apoptosis caused by the 2 antagonists 5-hydroxytryptamine1A and 1B. This effect is most likely mediated via 5-hydroxytryptamine1A and 1B receptors. Therefore, our results imply that 5-hydroxytryptamine1A and in particular 5-hydroxytryptamine1B receptor antagonists warrant further investigations as potential anti-neoplastic agents.

Apoptosis↗

The effect of serotonin and serotonin antagonists on bladder cancer cell proliferation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) and its antagonists in the proliferation of high-grade bladder cancer cells (HT1376), as high-grade bladder cancer has a rapid rate of progression, invasion and recurrence, and 5HT antagonists inhibit the growth of the prostate cancer cell line (PC3). MATERIALS AND METHODS: HT1376 (human grade III transitional cell carcinoma) cells were incubated with either 5HT or 5HT antagonists (5HT(1A), 5HT(1B), 5HT(1D), 5HT(2), 5HT(3) and 5HT(4)). After 72 h, cell viability was assessed using the crystal violet assay. The presence of 5HT receptor subtypes on HT1376 cells and sections of human bladder cancer tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: 5HT caused a dose-dependent increase in the proliferation of HT1376 cells. The maximum increase in cell proliferation (12%; 12 samples, P < 0.001) was at 10(-8)m as compared to the control at 72 h. At 10(-4)m, 5HT(1A) antagonist (NAN-190 hydrobromide) and 5HT(1B) antagonist (SB224289 hydrochloride) had a 10% (12 samples, P < 0.001) and 93% (12, P < 0.001) inhibitory effect on HT1376 cell growth, respectively, compared to the control at 72 h. There was immunostaining for 5HT(1A) and 5HT(1B) receptors in HT1376 cells and malignant bladder tissue, confirming the presence of these two receptor subtypes. Western blot analysis showed the presence of 5HT(1A) and 5HT(1B) receptor proteins with bands of 46 kDa and 43 kDa, respectively. CONCLUSION: 5HT(1A) and to a greater extent 5HT(1B) antagonists significantly inhibit bladder cancer cell growth. This effect is probably mediated via the 5HT(1A) and 5HT(1B) receptors. These results highlight the potential use of 5HT(1A) and 5HT(1B) antagonists in the treatment of bladder cancer.

Blotting, Western↗

The management of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor failure.

The oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors have made a valuable contribution to the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). PDE5 inhibitors enhance cavernosal smooth muscle relaxation, vasodilatation and penile erection. However, PDE5 inhibitors are not always effective. Decreased efficacy, cost, incorrect administration, lack of sexual stimulation, vascular risk factors associated with ED and vascular or neurogenic diseases are causes of PDE5 inhibitor failure. Tachyphylaxis may also occur. This is defined as reduced tissue responsiveness to a drug in the presence of a constant concentration of this drug. Treatment failure may cause considerable distress. If dose titration, more attempts and continuous dosing of PDE5 inhibitors (taken on a daily basis) fail to resolve the initial PDE5 inhibitor failure, clinicians need to consider alternative treatments. These include sublingual apomorphine, intracavernosal/intraurethral pharmacotherapy, vacuum devices, the insertion of a prosthesis and penile vascular surgery. Combination therapy like prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) with doxazosin (dox; an alpha-1-blocker) or ketanserin (ketan; a 5-HT(2) antagonist) as well as other pro-erection agents, like Endothelin-1 antagonists, angiotensin II antagonists (valsartan/losartan), adrenomedullin, Rho kinase inhibitors and nitric oxide (NO) donors may be beneficial in the treatment of ED. However, these combination therapies need to be validated. Adding an androgen to a PDE5 inhibitor may help when circulatory testosterone levels are low. The early use of PDE5 inhibitors in patients with hypertension, hyperlipidaemia or diabetes with concomitant ED and treating these risk factors may improve corporeal blood flow and lead to long-term preservation of cavernosal function. Therefore, the efficacy of PDE5 inhibitors may be maintained. Targeting the risk factors of ED (similar to those for arteriosclerosis) in the early stages of the disease may prevent the development or decrease the severity of ED.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Smooth muscle and purinergic contraction of the human, rabbit, rat, and mouse testicular capsule.

The smooth-muscle cells of the testicular capsule (tunica albuginea) of man, rat, and mouse were examined by electron microscopy. They were characteristically flattened, elongated, branching cells and diffusely incorporated into the collagenous matrix and did not form a compact muscle layer. Contractile and synthetic smooth-muscle cell phenotypes were identified. Nerve varicosities in close apposition to smooth muscle were seen in human tissue. Contractions induced by adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), alpha, beta-methylene ATP, noradrenaline (NA), acetylcholine (ACh), and electrical field stimulation (EFS) of autonomic nerves were investigated. Nerve-mediated responses of the rabbit and human tunica albuginea were recorded. The EFS-induced human responses were completely abolished by prazosin. In the rabbit, EFS-induced contractile responses were reduced by pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid by 36% and by prazosin by 77%. Both antagonists together almost completely abolished all EFS-induced contractions. The human tunica albuginea was contracted by NA, ATP, and alpha, beta-methylene ATP, but not by ACh. The rabbit and rat tunica albuginea were contracted by NA, ATP, alpha, beta-methylene ATP, and ACh. The mouse tunica albuginea was contracted by ACh, ATP, and alpha, beta-methylene ATP, but relaxed to NA. Immunohistochemical studies showed that P2X1 (also known as P2RX1) and P2X2 (also known as P2RX2) receptors were expressed on the smooth muscle of the rodent testicular capsule, expression being less pronounced in man. The testicular capsule of the rat, mouse, rabbit, and man all contain contractile smooth muscle. ATP, released as a cotransmitter from sympathetic nerves, can stimulate the contraction of rabbit smooth muscle. Human, rat, and mouse testicular smooth muscle demonstrated purinergic responsiveness, probably mediated through the P2X1 and/or P2X2 receptors.

Acetylcholine↗

The role of serotonin in tumour growth (review).

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5HT) a monoamine neurotransmitter mediates a wide range of physiological actions in the human body. For example 5HT is implicated in psychiatric and neurological disorders and also plays a fundamental role in tumour growth, differentiation and gene expression. 5HT acts as a growth factor for several types of tumoural and non-tumoural cells. This review considers the role of 5HT and its receptors in the human body with particular reference to carcinogenesis. We conclude that 5HT causes growth proliferation and 5HT antagonists cause growth inhibition in a variety of tumour cells (e.g. prostate carcinoma, lung carcinoma and colonic carcinoma). Therefore, further studies should look into the potential use of 5HT antagonists in the treatment of cancer.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

Erectile dysfunction: a need for greater awareness.

Research has led to effective treatment regimes for erectile dysfunction (ED). Convincing evidence links vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia and smoking) with ED. This association is not surprising since the corpus cavernosum is a modified vascular tissue. This review presents a brief account of the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of ED. There is a need to raise awareness of this condition and to make appropriate treatment available to patients.

Awareness↗

Direct measurement of hepatic tissue hypoxia by using a novel tcpO2/pCO2 monitoring system in comparison with near-infrared spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatic hypoxia occurs during liver surgery and transplantation and it may also appear within liver tumours, correlating with prognosis and efficacy of the treatment. The present study measured liver tissue hypoxia by directly using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and a novel tcpO2/pCO2 monitoring system. METHODS: Graded hypoxia was achieved in a rabbit model by a stepwise reduction of the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) from 0.3 to 0.0. Animals were allowed to recover from hypoxia at FiO2 of 3.0 indicated by normalised arterial blood gas values. Hepatic tissue oxyhaemoglobin (HbO2), deoxyhaemoglobin (Hb), cytochrome oxidase (Cyt Ox), oxygen partial pressure (pO2) and carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2) were measured continuously with the help of NIRS and a Clark-type surface tcpO2/pCO2 monitoring system, throughout the period of hypoxaemia. RESULTS: There was an immediate reduction in hepatic HbO2 with hypoxia and a simultaneous increase in hepatic Hb. Similarly, hepatic tissue pO2 decreased significantly but tissue pCO2 remained unchanged until the FiO2 was below 0.1. Hepatic HbO2 showed a positive correlation with tissue pO2 (r = 0.53, P < 0.001). Hepatic Hb showed a negative correlation with tissue pO2 (r = 0.47, P < 0.001). Hepatic Cyt Ox decreased significantly with an FiO2 of 0.1 or less and showed a positive correlation with hepatic tissue pO2 (r = 0.64, P < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between hepatic tissue pO2 and arterial blood pO2 (r = 0.44, P < 0.001). Arterial blood pCO2 also correlated with hepatic tissue pCO2 (r = 0.53, P < 0.001) measured by the tcpO2/pCO2 monitoring system. CONCLUSION: The data from the present study suggest that, like NIRS, the tcpO2/pCO2 monitoring system can be reliably used for the direct monitoring of hepatic tissue oxygenation in vivo.

Animals↗

Decreased urinary bladder apoptosis in a rabbit model of diabetes mellitus.

Urinary bladder dysfunction is a recognised complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). This is thought to be partly related to altered bladder morphology as DM is associated with increased bladder weight. In DM, increased cellular proliferation is well established. However, there is evidence that in other pathological states affecting the urinary tract, altered apoptosis may also play a role. We therefore used a rabbit model to investigate whether there are any changes in bladder apoptosis with DM. Diabetes was induced in adult New Zealand white rabbits. Age-matched controls were also used. After 6 months, the bladders were excised and weighed. The TUNEL technique was used to detect and quantify apoptosis in both DM and age-matched control bladders. Diabetes was confirmed as this group had significantly (P<0.001) elevated serum glucose-compared to controls. The bladder weights were also significantly (P<0.001) greater in the DM rabbits. Apoptosis was significantly (P<0.001) decreased in the urothelial cells of the DM bladders. Our results confirm previous findings that DM is associated with increased bladder weight. Although this is associated with increased cellular proliferation, we have demonstrated that decreased apoptosis may also play an important role. Therefore, decreased apoptosis may be important in the pathophysiology of DM cystopathy.

Animals↗

Reduction of endothelin-1 binding and inhibition of endothelin-1-mediated detrusor contraction by naftidrofuryl.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) causes urinary bladder smooth muscle contraction and the endothelin receptors A and B (ET(A) and ET(B)) are both known to be present in the rabbit urinary bladder. Alterations in ET-1 signalling have been implicated in the pathophysiology of urinary tract disorders secondary to bladder outlet obstruction and also in diabetic cystopathy. Naftidrofuryl (Naf) (marketed under the trade name Praxilene) improves walking distance in patients with peripheral vascular disease, an effect which may be partially attributed to ET-1 antagonism. The purpose of this study is to assess whether Naf will reduce ET-1 binding in the rabbit detrusor muscle and to assess whether there is inhibition of ET-1-mediated detrusor contraction. Detrusor smooth muscle strips were mounted in organ baths and cumulative response curves were measured for ET-1-mediated contractions in the presence and absence of 10(-6) M Naf (therapeutic concentration). In addition, ET-1 was added to the detrusor strips in the presence of the ET(A) antagonist, BQ123, and the ET(B) antagonist, BQ788, to identify the receptor subtype functionally involved. Overall inhibition of [(125)I]ET-1 binding by Naf was assessed using autoradiography. Identification of receptor-subtype binding reduction was assessed using the radioligands [(125)I]PD151242 and [(125)I]BQ3020. Naf inhibited ET-1-mediated detrusor contractions significantly (P<0.04), e.g. at 10(-10) M ET-1, contraction was completely abolished by Naf. Autoradiography indicated that Naf competitively inhibited [(125)I]ET-1 binding in a dose-dependent manner (IC(50)=3x10(-7) M). All radioligand binding was reduced indicating binding of Naf to both ET(A) and ET(B) receptors. Naf reduces binding of ET-1 to rabbit detrusor ET(A) and ET(B) receptors and inhibits ET-1-induced detrusor contractions mediated by ET(A) receptors. Naf may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of bladder disorders secondary to bladder outlet obstruction and diabetes mellitus.

Animals↗

Immunocytochemical and pharmacological characterisation of P2-purinoceptor-mediated cell growth and death in PC-3 hormone refractory prostate cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Extracellular nucleotides (e.g adenosine 5'-triphosphate, ATP) influence biological processes via purinergic receptors. We characterised the P2-purinoreceptors in human hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) cells (PC-3 cells). RESULTS: 1. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated P2X3 P2X, P2X5 P2X7 and P2Y2 receptors. 2. ATP inhibited cell growth by up to 91% over 72h. Pharmacological characterisation indicated a P2X-purinoreceptor-mediated response. 3. Comparable maximum growth inhibition was seen after either a single addition of 1mM or daily addition of 100mM ATP. ATP concentrations ([ATP]) returned to baseline levels within 24h if the initial [ATP] was < or =100 HM, while [ATP] remained high for 72h if a single concentration of 1 mM was used. 4. ATP 1 mM significantly (p<0.001) increased the proportion of cells undergoing apoptosis from 0.27% (+/- 0.04%) to 5.28% (+/- 0.77%). CONCLUSION: Threshold concentrations of ATP inhibited HRPC cell growth in vitro via the activation of P2X-purinoreceptors. The role of nucleotides in the treatment of HRPC requires further investigation.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Growth inhibitory effect of doxazosin on prostate and bladder cancer cells. Is the serotonin receptor pathway involved?

UNLABELLED: Doxazosin, an alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hypertension. Alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists also inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in malignant prostatic cells. The apoptotic activity is independent of their capacity to antagonize alpha-adrenoceptors. The effect of doxazosin on the growth of prostate and bladder cancer cell lines was assessed and whether the growth inhibitory effect of doxazosin on prostate cancer cells is serotonin (5-hydroxtryptamine; 5HT)-dependent was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PC3 (androgen-independent prostate cancer) and HT1376 (grade III transitional cell carcinoma) cells were plated. The cells were incubated with doxazosin. After 72 h, cell viability was assessed (crystal violet assay). Studies were also performed after incubating the PC3 cells with 5HT or 5HT(1B) agonists for a short duration, followed by the addition of doxazosin. Cell viability was assessed at 72 h. RESULTS: Doxazosin caused a dose-dependent inhibition of PC3 and HT1376 cell growth with a maximum inhibition of 80% (n=12, p < 0.0001) and 91% (n=12, p < 0.0001), respectively, at a concentration of 10(-4)M, at 72 h. Incubation of PC3 cells with 5HT or 5HT(1B) agonist, followed by addition of doxazosin, increased the percent of viable cells as compared to when the cells were treated with doxazosin alone. CONCLUSION: Doxazosin significantly inhibited prostate (PC3) and bladder cancer (HT1376) cell growth. Furthermore, prior incubation of PC3 cells with 5HT or 5HT(1B) agonist increased cell viability as compared to treatment with doxazosin alone. These findings may be related to the similarity between subtype 1 serotonin and adrenergic receptors. The effect of alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists on tumour cell growth merits further investigation.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists↗

Pharmacological properties of endothelin-1 in the rabbit corpus cavernosum.

BACKGROUND: Endothelin (ET-1) may play a role in the regulation of erection but this has not been conclusively demonstrated. Augmented cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM) contraction in the rat occurs following exposure to both ET-1 and phenylephrine (PE; alpha-1 agonist). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of ET-1 and its possible role in the alpha1-adrenergic pathway during the erectile process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Organ bath studies were performed on CSM strips of penises obtained from 12 age-matched New Zealand White rabbits. The effect of ET-1 and PE alone on CSM tone in the absence and presence of ETA (BQ123) and ETB (BQ788) antagonists was assessed. Tissue responses were measured as tension (newton, N). EC50 values are expressed as mean +/- S.E.M. RESULTS: PE (10(8) - 10(-4) M) and ET-1 (10(-10) - 10(-6) M) produced a concentration-dependent contraction in rabbit CSM strips. The EC50 values were 1.7 x 10(-7) M +/- 1.1 and 3.4 x 10(-9) M +/- 1.5, respectively. BQ123 10(-5) M significantly inhibited ET-1-mediated CSM contractions more than BQ788 10(-5) M (both ANOVA p<0.01). The EC50 were 1.3 x 10(-6) M +/- 2.6 and 2.0 x 10(-7) M +/- 2.1, respectively. Neither the ETA or ETB receptor antagonist had a significant influence on alpha1-adrenergic receptor-mediated CSM contraction. CONCLUSION: ETA receptors may play a greater role than ETB receptors in ET-1-induced rabbit CSM contraction and the detumescence process. The a1-adrenergic-dependent pathway does not involve the ETA or ETB receptors.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗