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PubMed2001

The BMP family member Gdf7 is required for seminal vesicle growth, branching morphogenesis, and cytodifferentiation.

Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions play an important role in the development of many different organs and tissues. The secretory glands of the male reproductive system, including the prostate and seminal vesicles, are derived from epithelial precursors. Signals from the underlying mesenchyme are required for normal growth, branching, and differentiation of the seminal vesicle epithelium. Here, we show that a member of the BMP family, Gdf7, is required for normal seminal vesicle development. Expression and tissue recombination experiments suggest that Gdf7 is a mesenchymal signal that acts in a paracrine fashion to control the differentiation of the seminal vesicle epithelium.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Seminal vesicles are novel sites of luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin-receptor gene expression.

The hypothesis that rat seminal vesicles may contain luteinizing hormone (LH)/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) receptors was tested by means of a number of different techniques. Northern blotting demonstrated that rat seminal vesicles contained multiple LH/hCG-receptor transcripts. In situ hybridization revealed that these transcripts were present primarily in the principal epithelial cells lining the lumen. Western immunoblotting detected proteins, two of which disappeared (80 and 46 kDa) and another of which decreased (30 kDa) after preabsorption of the receptor antibody with excess receptor peptide. Ligand blotting showed that 125I-hCG could bind only to an 80-kDa protein and that this binding was inhibited by coincubation with excess unlabeled hCG. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that LH/hCG-receptor protein was present primarily in the principal epithelial cells. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that seminal vesicles contain LH/hCG receptors, thus making this previously unsuspected male accessory reproductive organ a potential target of direct regulation by LH.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Crossed ectopia of left vas deferens, leaving ipsilateral seminal vesicle in normal position.

A 19-year-old man with crossed ectopia of the vas deferens was investigated with special reference to right hydronephrosis and renal dysfunction. There was no vesicoureteral reflux. The left kidney was hypoplastic or dysplastic and the left ureter emptied into the left seminal vesicle. The right malrotated hydronephrotic kidney was in the lumbar position. The right lower ureter communicated with either the right seminal vesicle or the ampullary portion of the left vas deferens and drained into the bladder at the normal site. The end of the right vas deferens was dilated. The left vas deferens crossed the midline and opened into the right seminal vesicle, leaving the ipsilateral seminal vesicle in the normal position. A search of the literature failed to reveal any similar anomalies.

Adult↗

PubMed1982

Effects of bromocriptine and perphenazine on male accessory sex glands II. Ultrastructure of the seminal vesicles.

The effects of prolactin (PRL) and androgen on the seminal vesicles of immature C3H/HeJ mice were studied. Glands from controls exhibited secretory activity and full differentiation. Glands from castrates were small, markedly atrophic with some stromal hyperplasia and moderate leukocytic infiltration. Testosterone-treated castrates were similar to intact controls. Perphenazine appeared to stimulate the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), Golgi, and secretory activity of the epithelium in the intact and castrated mice. Normal secretory granules were not made in the perphenazine-treated castrates, but a flocculent material usually was present in the RER, Golgi, and secretory vacuoles. Bromocriptine reduced cell height and secretory activity in intact mice and promoted anaplasia and epithelial proliferation in castrates. PRL seems to be required for the seminal vesicles to complete and maintain cytological development, but the effect of PRL may be different in the presence or absence of testicular androgens.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

[Ultrasound images of prostate and seminal vesicles in infertile male patients].

The results of clinical examinations, semen analysis and endosonographic examinations of prostate and seminal vesicles were analysed in 172 male patients treated due to infertility. Ultrasound equipment with transrectal multiplane transducers 6.5 and 7.0 MHz frequency has been used to the evaluation of size, symmetry and echostructure of prostate and the seminal vesicles. In 62% patients pathological changes have been displayed in the prostate and 32% in the seminal vesicles.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Seminal vesicle cyst associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis and papillary carcinoma of the bladder.

We report a case of seminal vesicle cyst associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis in a 37-year-old patient with papillary carcinoma of the bladder. Ultrasonography showed absence of the right kidney, a bladder tumour and a round retrovesical hypoechogenic mass with posterior acoustic enhancement. It showed low attenuation on CT, low signal intensity on T1-weighted MR images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted MR images. Intravenous urography (IVU) and cystoscopy were also performed. After surgery, it proved to be a seminal vesicle cyst. The embryology, imaging characteristics and differential diagnosis of seminal vesicle cysts are discussed. Associated findings are also described.

Adult↗

PubMed1984

Androgen regulation of protein synthesis in the seminal vesicle fibromuscular stroma.

The fibromuscular stroma (FMS) separated from the seminal vesicles of adult guinea pigs incorporated [35S]methionine into a 12 500 X g soluble fraction in vitro. Incorporation decreased 60% in tissues from 7-day castrates with no further change up to 21 days post-castration. Administration of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone prevented this decrease. Castration did not appear to increase the degradation of newly synthesized protein, or to alter the distribution between soluble and particulate subcellular fractions. Using SDS-PAGE and fluorography to quantitate [35S]methionine incorporation into specific proteins, three protein classes were identified which responded differentially to castration: (1) bands at 110 000 and 24 000 Mr decreased by 95%; (2) bands at 58 000 and 97 000 Mr were unchanged; (3) multiple bands decreased in proportion to total incorporation. Administration of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone could not fully maintain, at control levels, the synthesis of the 110 000 and 24 000 Mr bands. These results demonstrate that the FMS of the guinea pig seminal vesicle can serve as a useful model system for studying hormonally regulated functions of male sex accessory stromal tissue.

Androgens↗

PubMed2000

Seminal vesicle cyst with ipsilateral renal agenesis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review the clinical symptoms and imaging features of a seminal vesicle cyst associated with renal agenesis. CONCLUSION: Patients with seminal vesicle cysts associated with renal agenesis may present with symptoms of bladder irritation or obstruction and with an abdominal or pelvic mass revealed on physical examination. Differentiation of a seminal vesicle cyst from other pelvic cystic masses may be determined with a spectrum of imaging techniques including excretory urography, sonography, CT, and MR imaging.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

[Congenital cysts of the seminal vesicles with ipsilateral kidney agenesis. Clinical aspects of 7 cases].

Seminal vesicle cysts with ureteral ectopy and ipsilateral renal agenesis or dysplasia are rare congenital malformations. This study reports 7 consecutive cases in a single center and, for the first time in the literature, reports long-term results on 5 cases. Patients were between the age of 15 and 57 years. The malformation was diagnosed in all cases with excretory urography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and cystoscopy. 5 patients were followed after diagnosis for 26 to 119 months (mean 52 months). Only 2 of 7 patients primarily presented with nonspecific lower urinary tract symptoms. One patient (15 years old) showed significant enlargement of the cysts with compression of the urinary bladder and signs of urinary incontinence 10 years after primary diagnosis. The other 4 patients had no changes of their malformation. In conclusion, seminal vesicle cysts with ipsilateral renal agenesis are now more frequently diagnosed because of the increasing use of sectional imaging procedures. They are mostly asymptomatic and their morphology does not change with time. These data support the concept of only treating symptomatic patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

RNA polymerase activities in isolated nuclei of guinea pig seminal vesicle epithelium: influence of castration and androgen administration.

Nuclei from seminal vesicle epithelium of adult guinea pigs were isolated in hypertonic sucrose solution. The incorporation of [3H]UTP by the isolated nuclei into acid-precipitable products was studied. Incorporation required ATP, GTP, CTP, UTP, and Mg+2. It was inhibited by addition of actinomycin D, deoxyribonuclease, or pyrophosphate to the reaction mixture. Thus, incorporation of [3H]UTP by isolated nuclei had the same characteristics that have been demonstrated for the reactions catalyzed by nuclear RNA polymerases. Using alpha-amanitin as a metabolic tool, we established concentrations of (NH4)2SO4. Mg+2, and nucleotides that give maximum assayable activities of nuclear RNA polymerases I and II. When the activities of polymerases I and II were measured in isolated seminal vesicle nuclei of guinea pigs that had been castrated 4 days earlier, a marked decrease in activities was found relative to control values (nuclei from intact animals). No further decrease was found 8 days after castration. Diminished accessibility to the nuclear DNA template and a decrease in the concentration of RNA polymerase molecules seemed to be responsible for the observed effects of castration on activities of RNA polymerases. An increase in ribonuclease activity did not seem to be responsible for the effects of castration. Activities of the enzymes did not change 2, 3, or 4 hours after intraperitoneal injection (2 mg/kg body weight) of each of five different androgens. Similarly, a single intraperitoneal injection of testosterone did not restore enzyme activity of polymerade I or II at any time during the first 24-hour period after hormone administration.

Androgens↗

PubMed1990

Dynamics of a human seminal vesicle specific protein.

The present paper is concerned with the temporal alterations and tissue localization of a seminal antigen secreted by the human seminal vesicle. This antigen is recognized by antibody MHS-5, which is one of a set produced in mice by immunization with human sperm. The respective clone produced an antibody of the IgG1 subtype, which reacted with seminal fluid from over 400 normal donors and 21 semen samples from vasectomized men. Incubation of seminal vesicle secretion with either prostatic fluid or prostate specific antigen (PSA) resulted in degradation on the antigen. The experiments showed that MHS-5 antigen is a substrate for the serine protease PSA: Immunohistochemical studies suggested that MHS-5 is a "sperm-coating" antigen and is exclusively synthesized and secreted by the seminal vesicle.

Antigens↗

PubMed1999

Apoptosis and cell proliferation in the seminal vesicles and coagulating glands of male Syrian hamsters exposed to diethylstilboestrol (DES).

Regression of the accessory sex glands was induced in male Syrian hamsters by chronic exposure to diethylstilboestrol (DES), an agonist of 17beta-oestradiol. Experimental groups (n = 4-5) were killed at increasing time intervals up to 6 months after initiation of treatment. Organ atrophy was evaluated by morphological examination. Apoptosis in the seminal vesicles and coagulating glands was visualized by in situ analysis of DNA fragmentation. Cell proliferation was monitored by immunostaining nuclei of S-phase cells after pulse labelling with BrdU. The volume of the seminal vesicles decreased drastically after 2 weeks of DES administration due to a marked reduction of secretions in the lumen of the glands. Cell proliferation in the seminal vesicles was stimulated by chronic administration of DES. Mitotic activity mostly increased during the first month of treatment, leading to epithelial hyperplasia associated with progressive hyperplasia of the fibromuscular stroma. Evidence of epithelial dysplasia and metaplasia, often associated with an infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, was observed in animals exposed to DES for 4 months or more. Regression of the seminal vesicles was also associated with apoptosis in the gland epithelium. Apoptosis appeared 3 days after starting DES administration and culminated at 1 month. Thereafter the number of apoptotic cells decreased progressively, but apoptosis remained present until the end of treatment. In contrast, coagulating glands were less sensitive to DES. No major morphological changes were observed in these glands except for a moderate reduction of protein secretion. The levels of the apoptotic and proliferating cells indices were very low in the coagulating glands during DES treatment. In conclusion, these data point to different sensitivities of the accessory sex glands to DES exposure because DES induces extensive alterations of the normal morphology of the seminal vesicles, but shows only a moderate impact on the coagulating glands.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Post-transcriptional regulation of secretory protein production during the development of the guinea pig seminal vesicle.

To investigate the influence of androgens on secretory protein expression during the development of the guinea pig seminal vesicle epithelium, we examined the patterns of mRNA and protein accumulation during the first 2 wk after birth. Hybridization of total seminal vesicle RNA to cDNA probes revealed that the secretory protein genes were active as early as 5 days after birth. However, the accumulation of secretory proteins was barely detectable between Days 5 and 10, and could not be enhanced by treatment of neonatal animals with exogenous androgens. Secretory protein mRNA and protein levels both increased rapidly between Days 10 and 15. However, the 800-fold rise in protein levels between Days 5 and 15 greatly exceeded the magnitude of the increase in secretory protein mRNA that occurred during this interval. These data indicate that the rate of secretory protein accumulation in the guinea pig seminal vesicle is not determined strictly by the availability of secretory protein mRNA, and suggest that post-transcriptional mechanisms may contribute to the regulation of secretory protein accumulation in neonatal guinea pigs.

Aging↗

PubMed1994

Vasoactive intestinal peptide in the hamster seminal vesicle: distribution, binding sites and possible functions.

The presence and functional role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in the hamster seminal vesicle were studied by a combination of structural and functional approaches. The use of an immunofluorescence staining technique in both cryostat sections and whole-mount preparations revealed that vasoactive intestinal peptide-immunoreactive nerve fibres were mainly localized in the lamina propria of the mucosal layer. In double-stained preparations, vasoactive intestinal peptide immunoreactivity was found to be localized in nerves also containing acetylcholinesterase activity. At the ultrastructural level, the use of an immunogold staining method showed that vasoactive intestinal peptide immunoreactivity occurred in large granular vesicles (80-150 nm in diameter) in nerve varicosities which also contained small pleomorphic agranular vesicles. In order to evaluate the anatomical distribution of vasoactive intestinal peptide binding sites in the seminal vesicle, we have utilized an in vitro receptor autoradiographic technique. Vasoactive intestinal peptide binding sites were localized in the basal region of the secretory epithelium, in the muscle layer and in the wall of blood vessels. In vitro incorporation of [3H]L-leucine into protein by tissue slices revealed that vasoactive intestinal peptide (1 microM) significantly increases the amount of released protein. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (0.1-1 microM) did not affect the resting tension of the muscle but significantly inhibited the increase in muscle tension induced by carbachol. Atropine prevented the effect of carbachol, indicating that the latter is mediated by muscarinic receptors. Our results suggest that in the hamster seminal vesicle, vasoactive intestinal peptide is involved in the modulation of muscarinic function and in the control of secretion.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

PubMed2004

Glycoconjugate histochemistry of the seminal vesicles of the Japanese miniature (Shiba) goat.

The present study localizes and characterizes complex glycoconjugates in the seminal vesicles of the Japanese Shiba goat, using several carbohydrate histochemical procedures, including lectin techniques at light and electron microscopic levels. Glandular epithelial cells and luminal secretions were shown to contain neutral and acidic glycoconjugates with various saccharide residues, such as alpha-D-Man, alpha-D-Glc, alpha-L-Fuc, beta-D-Gal, GalNAc, GlcNAc, and NeuAc (sialic acid). The terminal oligosaccharide chains of sialoglycoconjugates present in the seminal vesicles were NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-3GalNAc and NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc. In addition, in lysosomes of the glandular epithelial cells alpha-D-Man, alpha-D-Glc, GlcNAc and NeuAc (sialic acid) residues could be detected, the secretory vesicles contained alpha-L-Fuc, and the endoplasmic reticulum exhibited alpha-D-Man and alpha-D-Glc residues. The complex glycoconjugates with various sugar residues found in the seminal vesicles of the goat may be involved in various fertilization-related events.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

5 Alpha-reductase inhibitory and antiandrogenic activities of novel steroids in hamster seminal vesicles.

The pharmacological activity of several 16-bromosubstituted trienediones 4 and 5, 16-methyl substituted dienediones 6 and 7 and the 16-methyl substituted trienedione 8 was determined on gonadectomized hamster seminal vesicles by measuring the in vitro conversion of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as 5alpha-reductase inhibitors and also the ability of these steroids to bind to the androgen receptor. Steroids 6 and 7 when injected together with T decreased the weight of the seminal vesicles thus showing an antiandrogenic effect. Compounds 5 and 6 reduced substantially the conversion of T to DHT and therefore can be considered good inhibitors for the enzyme 5alpha-reductase; however both steroids failed to form a complex with the androgen receptor. On the other hand compound 7 which showed a very small inhibitory activity for the enzyme 5alpha-reductase, exhibited a very high affinity for the androgen receptor and thus can be considered an effective antiandrogen. This compound also reduced substantially the weight of the seminal vesicles. Steroids 4 and 8 did not reduce the weight of the seminal vesicles and exhibited a low affinity for the androgen receptor; 8 showed a weak 5alpha-reductase inhibitory activity, whereas 4 exhibited a weak androgenic effect.

3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase↗

PubMed2003

Effects of various nitric oxide-donating drugs on adrenergic tension of human seminal vesicles in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of the nitric oxide (NO)-donating compounds sodium nitroprusside (SNP), S-nitroso-glutathione (GSNO), S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (SNAC), S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine-ethylester (SNACET), and linsidomine (SIN-1) on the adrenergic tension of isolated human seminal vesicle strip preparations. The significance of the NO-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in the regulation of smooth muscle tone in the human genitourinary tract has been well established. However, information on the significance of NO-mediated signal transduction in the functional control of the mammalian seminal vesicles is still sparse. METHODS: Seminal vesicle strip preparations were applied to an organ bath system under standard conditions. Tension was induced by the addition of 10 microM norepinephrine. After stable tension plateaus had been reached, the drugs were added in a cumulative manner (0.01 to 100 microM) and the isometric responses of the tissue registered. The effects of the compounds on the phasic contractility of the tissue preparations were also evaluated. The adenylyl cyclase-stimulating agent forskolin was used as a reference compound known to interfere with the cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway. RESULTS: Adrenergic tension was dose dependently attenuated by the drugs. The rank order of potency, from greater to lesser, was GSNO, SNAC, SNP, SIN-1, forskolin, and SNACET. The rank order (from greater to lesser) with regard to the inhibitory effects of the compounds on the frequency of phasic contractions of the tissue induced by the addition of norepinephrine was GSNO, SNAC, SNP, and SIN-1; the effects of SIN-1, forskolin, and SNACET on the frequency of contractions were nearly equipotent. CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly support the hypothesis that the contractility of the human seminal vesicle is under the control of the NO-cGMP pathway. This finding may give a rationale for the use of S-nitrosothiols, such as GSNO and SNAC, in the pharmacotherapy of hyperexcitatory disturbances of ejaculation (premature ejaculation).

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

PubMed1991

Developmental and hormonal regulation of specific proteins in mouse vas deferens and seminal vesicle.

This paper is concerned with hormonal regulation of the developmental pattern of major proteins of the mouse vas deferens (mouse vas deferens protein: MVDP, 34.5 kD) and seminal vesicle (15.5, 120 and 140 kD) whose expression is regulated by testosterone at adulthood. The ontogeny of these proteins, studied by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, appeared to be uncoordinated. MVDP was not accumulated until animals were 20 days old and its concentration increased sharply from 20 to 30 days of age. In seminal vesicle, the 15.5 kD protein did not accumulate before day 30 whereas 120 and 140 kD proteins appeared and accumulated between 30 and 40 days. In 30-day-old mice castrated at birth or treated with cyproterone acetate over 29 days, MVDP levels were not abolished and were similar to those measured in 20-day-old males. Testosterone administration, from 1 to 10 days of age, did not induce precocious expression of MVDP. These results suggest that the neonatal expression of MVDP is independent of androgens. In seminal vesicle, the first expression of the 3 proteins studied was dependent upon testicular androgens as shown by neonatal castration and injection experiments. The marked increase in the levels of the 4 proteins studied, during sexual maturation, was not associated with quantitative or qualitative changes in tissular androgen concentrations, suggesting that other factors may be necessary for protein expression. Whereas thyroxine may induce a precocious accumulation of MVDP, prolactin had no stimulatory effect on the accumulation of proteins from vas deferens and seminal vesicle. The results suggest that during sexual maturation gene activation by androgens was progressive.

Aldehyde Reductase↗