Immunohistochemical and Biomolecular Identification of Orphanin FQ, eNOS, Atrial natriuretic Factor and Oxytocin in Rat Seminal Vesicles

In previous studies performed on rodents, we detected the presence of adreno-cholinergic and peptidergic innervation in seminal vesicles and other organs of the male genital system, such as prostate and ductus deferens, in which we also investigated the expression of NOS and NADPH-diaphorase. During the present project we focused our attention on the expression of some peptides involved in local control of smooth muscle relaxation, contractility, vasodilatation and control of blood flow in rat seminal vesicles. We investigated, through immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, the presence of four peptides: orphanin, eNOS, ANF and oxytocin. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the presence of the proteins, while RT-PCR analysis confirmed gene expression of orphanin, eNOS and ANF but not oxytocin. In our opinion, orphanin, eNOS and ANF could have paracrine effects regulating the function of seminal vesicles, while oxytocin, that may reach this anatomical district through the blood flow, may have a hormonal action. This is a pilot study that, with further investigation, may allow to better clarify the role of these molecules in the control of seminal vesicle tissues homeostasis.