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Calcium-binding protein in bull seminal vesicle secretion and seminal plasma.

A protein which showed high affinity for calcium ions was isolated from bull seminal vesicle secretion and seminal plasma. Its calcium-binding activity depended on the ionic strength and pH of the medium. The dissociation constant was 7-7 X 10(-7) M and there were 14 binding sites per protein molecule. The molecular weight of calcium-binding protein from bull seminal vesicle secretion, estimated by the gel filtration method, was 110,000. The protein may be involved in the regulation of the calcium ion level in seminal plasma.

Animals

Testosterone and 6-N,2'-O-dibutyryladenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate stimulate protein and lysosomal enzyme secretion in rat seminal vesicle.

Rat seminal-vesicle secretion was studied in vitro in a slice-incubation system. Seminal-vesicle slices were preincubated with 32Pi for 15 min, rinsed, and incubated in an isotope-free 'chase' medium for up to 4h. Gland slices spontaneously discharged protein, three lysosomal hydrolases and trichloroacetic acid-insoluble 32P into the medium in a time- and temperature-dependent manner. Testosterone (10 muM) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1 mM) stimulated the discharge of protein, acid hydrolases and trichloroacetic acid-insoluble 32P, and also stimulated the incorporation of 32Pi into trichloroacetic acid-insoluble components. The acid phosphatase and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase isoenzymes were separated by isoelectric focusing. These hydrolases were secreted into the medium as acidic isoenzymes, presumably contained within primary lysosomes, whereas they occurred largely as less acidic and basic isoenzymes in the glandular tissue.

Acid Phosphatase

Control of the mitotic activity in the rat seminal vesicle by "chalone".

One month after castration male rats were injected daily with 2 X 50 mug of testosterone. Starting before the highest mitotic activity of seminal vesicles, 3 injections of normal seminal vesicle extract were given into the lumen at 3 h intervals. The contralateral seminal vesicle was injected with rat liver extract. Tritiated thymidine was given intravenously. The labelling index of the seminal vesicles was determined by means of radioautography. The crude supernatant of seminal vesicle was the most effective to inhibit the mitotic activity of the seminal vesicles. The decrease was on an average 34 per cent. The liver extract did not influence the mitotic activity. When the seminal vesicle extract was fractionated by Sephadex G-25, the largest fraction (M. W. greater than 3000) showed the highest inhibitory activity, whereas the smallest fraction (M. W. less than 1000) was ineffective. The inhibition of mitosis can also be induced by an unspecific factor, since pronase showed slight inhibitory action on seminal vesicle mitosis. However, the seminal vesicle extract had no inhibitory action on the epidermal mitotic activity.

Animals

Studies on the binding of androgens to the cytosol proteins and nuclei of the rat seminal vesicle.

Mince of the seminal vesicles of rats castrated 5--6 days before the experiment was incubated at 37 degree C with 3H-testosterone. Ater 60 min incubation with 10 nM testosterone 73% of the label bound to cytosol proteins and 83% of the label attached to nuclei was in 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone while unbound steroids contained only 29% dihydrotestosterone. The amount of dihydrotestosterone bound to cytosol proteins and nuclei was 0.4 pmol/g tissue and 1 pmol/g tissue, respectively. On the basis of the nuclear binding of this steroid about 1900 binding sites per nucleus were calculated. Both cytosolic and nuclear binding sites were half saturated at about 1 nM testosterone concentration. Most of the binding to cytosol proteins occurred during the first 10 min, while the maximum binding to nuclei was attained after 40 min of incubation. Nuclei were found to bind considerable amounts of testosterone. Binding of testosterone to nuclei reached its maximum between 10--20 min of incubation and declined then to a comparatively low level during the ensuing 40--50 min. Various experimental results suggest that testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are accumulated in the nuclei by independent mechanisms.

Animals

Anatomy of the human seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts.

Anatomical dissections of the seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts were carried out in 20 autopsy and 10 operative specimens. Seminal vesiculography and casting were made. Vesiculography was conducted on 50 cases of schistosomal seminal vesiculitis. The seminal vesicles were of variable size and three main anatomical types. In normal seminal vesicles the ampullary vesicular angle was acute and the average length of the ejaculatory duct was 2.2 mm with an antero-medial concavity.

Adult

[Histochemical, analytical and thin layer chromatographical studies on bovine seminal vesicle lipids (author's transl)].

The lipids in the epithelium of seminal vesicles of 11 adult bulls were studied by means of histochemical methods and thin layer chromatography. In the large basal lipid vacuoles dominate cholesterol, esters of cholesterol and tryglycerides. Phosphatides are also present in the large basal lipid vacuoles as well as in the smaller apical lipid droplets of the columnar cells. The existence of alkyl diglycerides, neutral plasmalogens and methyl esters of fatty acids, proved by 2-dimensional chromatography, can be taken as evidence that fatty acids, cholesterol, triglycerides and phosphatides are synthesized within the seminal vesicle epithelial cells. Free fatty acids as well as those incorporated in mono-, di-, triglycerides and polar lipids of the seminal vesicle epithelium are predominantly unsaturated, thus pointing to rapid mobilization and turnover of their esters. The cholesterol in the basal lipid vacuoles of bovine seminal vesicle is possibly eliminated from the epithelium via the subepithelial capillaries for there is no evidence of lipid secretion into the glandular lumen nor of a continued steroid synthesis from cholesterol within the seminal vesicle.

Animals

Fine structural studies of rat seminal vesicle in castrated and intact animals following estrogen treatment.

The effect of estradiol and/or testosterone upon secretion by seminal vesicle in castrated and intact rats was assessed in young adult Sprague-Dawley rats, using light microscopy (LM), transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM)electron microscopy. Hormones were injected daily for ten days beginning ten days after castrations were performed. The normal rat seminal vesicle, as revealed by SEM, was characterized by a large saccular lumen with highly folded walls. Cell surfaces were covered with microvilli, or occasionally displayed a protruding, ruffled surface, sparsely covered with short microvilli. Cytology was normal in testosterone-treated animals. Estradiol treatment of castrated animals stimulated secretion by seminal vesicle epithelial cells as evidenced by the presence of normal secretory bodies, the presence of RER, and moderately hypertrophied Golgi complexes. These glands were not heavier than were glands from castrated, untreated animals, although the epithelial cells were significantly taller. Secretion was maintained in intact animals treated with estradiol, although glands were smaller and epithelial height was reduced. Estradiol and testosterone treatment in combination did not appear to have an additive effect on secretion, weight of the gland, or epithelial height. The following results support the hypothesis that estrogen-induced prolactin synthesis and release may be involved in the mechanism by which estradiol effected stimulation of seminal vesicle epithelium. Prolactin-treated, castrated animals exhibited focal areas of stimulated epithelium. In hypophysectomized animals (untreated controls), the seminal vesicle epithelium retained some secretory bodies and secretory fluid in the glandular lumen; epithelial height was taller than that in castrated controls. Estrogen treatment reduced the epithelial height to that of castrated controls; there was no evidence of secretion. This suggests that in the absence of anterior pituitary hormones, including prolactin, the stimulatory effect of estradiol on seminal vesicle epithelium was nullified. In adrenalectomized/castrated animals, estradiol treatment stimulated secretion in seminal vesicle epithelium just as in non-adrenalectomized/castrated animals. This indicates that the adrenal gland plays a non-essential role in the action of estrogen on seminal vesicle epithelium.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Age-related changes in the seminal vesicles of a Brazilian (Nelore) zebu.

Age changes in the structure of the seminal vesicles and in the rate of production of fructose and citric acid have been studied in a Brazilian (Nelore) zebu, from the fetal period to 36 months of age. At 3 and 6 months, the microscopic anatomy of the gland resembled that of the fetus; the tubules of the seminal vesicles had a reduced diameter and a low epithelial layer; only a few presented traces of secretion, and tissue contents of fructose and citric acid were accordingly low. At 12 months, the tubules were more ramified and had a larger diameter. In the 18-month-old animals the seminal vesicles presented substantial modifications; the tubules were large, with irregular lumina and surrounded by narrow stroma, the epithelial layer was higher than that of previous stages and its columnar cells had nuclei located basally. Tissue levels of fructose increased rapidly between 12 and 18 months. At 24 months, the seminal vesicles had reached the adult condition characterized by intense proliferation of tubules with irregular lumina and abundant secretory material. Numerous dark columnar cells were found in the epithelium. Seminal vesicles of Nelore zebus contain less fructose and citric acid than those of taurine bulls of comparable age.

Age Factors

Volume estimation of the seminal vesicles by means of transrectal ultrasonotomography: a preliminary report.

The volume of the seminal vesicles was estimated in 27 cases by means of transrectal ultrasonotomography. The seminal vesicles of normal subjects were found to be generally larger than in cases of prostatic hypertrophy or cancer. The volume of the seminal vesicles in Klinefelter's syndrome was remarkably small. The correlation between the volume of the seminal vesicles and of the prostate is given.

Humans

Seminal vesicle cyst associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis.

Seminal vesicle cysts present at the age of high sexual activity. They manifest with symptoms of bladder irritation and pain on ejaculation. They arise because of congenital obstruction of ejaculatory duct. Diagnosis can be made by careful rectal examination supplemented by an intravenous urogram, cystogram, seminal vesiculogram, and cystourethroscopy. Surgical excision of the cyst is the definitive treatment. We present a case of right seminal vesicle cyst associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis, with a review of the pertinent literature.

Adult

Scanning electron microscope observation of the seminal vesicle in the Japanese monkey with special reference to intraluminal spermiophagy by macrophages.

The seminal vesicle of the adult Japanese monkey was observed by scanning electron microscopy. A number of spermatozoa are found scattered on the luminal surface. Some of them are normal in appearance, while others disintegrated. The epithelial cells bulging slightly into the lumen are devoid of cilia, but provided with diffusely distributed microvilli. The fracture surface reveals that the epithelium of the seminal vesicle consists of columnar epithelial cells with secretory activity and occasional basal cells, in accordance with the finding obtained by transmission electron microscope in other mammals. The most striking observation of this study is the occurrence of a number of macrophages lying on the epithelium of the seminal vesicle. They also are seen to engulf the disintegrated spermatozoa in bulk. The intraluminal macrophages observed may serve to dispose of spermatozoa which have migrated into the seminal vesicle for some unknown reason.

Animals

Effects of alpha-difluoromethylornithine, an enzyme-activated irreversible inhibitor or ornithine decarboxylase, on testosterone-induced regeneration of prostate and seminal vesicle in castrated rats.

1. Castration of adult rats markedly decreases the amounts of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) and of RNA and DNA in the ventral prostate and the seminal vesicle. 2. Daily injections of testosterone propionate to rats castrated 7 days previously increase polyamine and nucleic acid contents more rapidly in the seminal vesicle than in the ventral prostate. 3. After 7 days of androgen treatment, polyamine and nucleic acid contents of the seminal vesicle are significantly higher than those of intact animals. Nucleic acid, but not polyamine, contents return to normal values during the next 4 days of continued treatment. In the prostate, androgen treatment increases polyamine and nucleic acid contents to, but not above, normal values. 4. Repeated doses of alpha-difluoromethylornithine, a potent enzyme-activated irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, totally blocked the testosterone-induced increase of putrescine and spermidine in the ventral prostate and of putrescine in the seminal vesicle. They slowed significantly the accumulation of spermine in the ventral prostate and of spermidine in the seminal vesicle. alpha-Difluoromethylornithine also retarded the testosterone-induced accumulation of RNA in the ventral prostate. However, no clear correlation was apparent between accumulation of polyamines and of nucleic acids in the two organs. 5. alpha-Difluoromethylornithine markedly slows the testosterone-induced weight gain of the prostate, but not of the seminal vesicle. Cytological studies suggest that this effect on the prostate is due to inhibition of the androgen-induced restoration of the secretion content of prostatic acini.

Animals

Characterization of the specific binding of prolactin to binding sites in the seminal vesicle of the rat.

The binding of ovine prolactin to the seminal vesicles of the rat has been characterized and found to be a saturable process, dependent upon time, temperature, protein concentration of the seminal vesicle and divalent ions. Its specificity was similar to that reported for prolactin binding to other organ preparations. Time and temperature studies of the specific binding revealed that equilibrium was reached after 16 h at 5 degrees C or 4 h at 19 degrees C. Nonspecific binding was also dependent on time and temperature. This parameter has been reported to comprise up to 70% of the total binding to various organ-binding sites, but it fell to below 20% after 48 h at 19 degrees C, thus demonstrating the high degree of specificity required of target organ receptors. From degradation studies it was evident that no damage occurred to the free hormone during incubation for up to 70 h at 5 degrees C or 16 h at 19 degrees C. However, there seems to be a difference in the susceptibility of bound and free ovine prolactin to damage during incubation: after 40 h at 19 degrees C the hormone in the supernatant fraction had lost 85% of its binding ability, whereas a high level of specific binding was evident in the pellet. A Scatchard plot of competitive binding studies revealed two classes of binding sites, of which the high-affinity, low-capacity site was similar to that reported previously and consistent with a physiological receptor for prolactin in the seminal vesicle of the rat.

Animals

Unimpaired sexual behavior of male rats after complete removal of the prostate and seminal vesicles.

The ventral and dorsolateral prostate, the coagulating glands, and the seminal vesicles were removed in nine male rats. The rats were tested for sexual behavior 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. The sexual performance of the operated rats was quantitatively and qualitatively equal to that of sham-operated control rats. At autopsy 6 weeks after surgery, no prostatic or seminal vesicle tissue could be found. These studies show that the sexual performance of male rats does not depend on the presence of the prostatic lobes and seminal vesicles.

Animals

Seminal vesicle epithelium in fine-needle aspiration biopsies of the prostate as a pitfall in the cytologic diagnosis of carcinoma.

The morphologic features of seminal vesicle epithelial cells were studied in a material of ca 3,300 fine-needle aspiration biopsies of the prostate. Seminal vesicle material was considered to be found in 50 cases. The most usual and distinctive features in seminal vesicle epithelial cells were yellowish-brown cytoplasmic pigment granules and large hyperchromatic polyploid nuclei. Intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions, nuclear folding and prominent nucleoli were observed in approximately one third of the cases. Seminal vesicle secretion and stromal cells were seen in most cases, spermatozoa less frequently. The recognition of seminal vesicle epithelial cells in fine-needle aspiration biopsies of the prostate is considered to be important in the avoidance of cytodiagnostic errors.

Biopsy, Needle

The influence of activation, removal or denervation of the pineal on the fine structure of the Leydig cell and seminal vesicle epithelium in golden hamsters.

Fine structural changes of testicular interstitial cells of Leydig and secretory cells of seminal vesicles were studied in golden hamsters under different functional states of the pineal gland. Experiments were performed in the reproductive season (summer months). In the hamsters blinded for 8 weeks the testes and the seminal vesicles were markedly atrophic, and the Leydig cells and the secretory cells of seminal vesicles were extremely involuted. By contrast, both types of cells in the pinealectomized or superior cervical ganglionectomized hamsters exhibited cytological features suggestive of an enhanced secretory activity. This study shows that functional activity of Leydig cells as well as secretory cells of seminal vesicles in the hamster may be depressed or augmented by stimulating of inhibiting the pineal antigonadal function, respectively, without performing hypophysectomy or hormonal administration.

Animals

Motor innervation of the smooth muscle of the rat seminal vesicle.

Frequency-related isovolumetric contractions of the rat seminal vesicle elicited with transmural electrical stimulation were blocked by tetrodotoxin but unaffected by hexamethonium. The postganglionic motor innervation of the rat seminal vesicle is purely excitatory and contains both an adrenergic and a cholinergic component which are excited simultaneously during transmural stimulation. Contractions elicited by adrenergic nerve stimulation were mediated by norepinephrine acting via alpha adrenoceptors, i.e., 1) responses of untreated vesicles to transmural stimulation and to exogenous norepinephrine were antagonized by phentolamine and potentiated by cocaine, 2) pretreatment of animals with reserpine or 6-hydroxydopamine produced a marked depletion of tissue norepinephrine concentration and reduced the responses to transmural stimulation to a level which resembled that of untreated organs in the presence of phentolamine, 3) the residual responses of vesicles from pretreated rats were not modified by phentolamine or cocaine, and 4) responses to tyramine in untreated organs were antagonized by phentolamine but not by cocaine and were observed in organs from reserpine-pretreated rats only after repletion with exogenous norepinephrine. Responses elicited by cholinergic nerve stimulation were mediated by acetylcholine through muscarinic receptors, i.e., 1) responses of untreated vesicles to transmural stimulation and to exogenous acetylcholine were antagonized by atropine, 2) the residual responses to transmural stimulation of vesicles from animals pretreated with reserpine of 6-hydroxydopamine were nearly abolished by atropine and 3) physostigmine potentiated and prolonged the responses of organs from untreated and reserpine-pretreatd animals to transmural stimulation; these effects of physostigmine were abolished by atropine.

Animals