The role of extracellular ATP in the male reproductive tract

Sheng Li Xue Bao. 2007 Aug 25;59(4):487-94.

Abstract

In addition to its well established role as a neurotransmitter, extracellular ATP has been considered as a paracrine/autocrine factor, either released from sperm or epithelial cells, in the male reproductive tract and shown to play a versatile role in modulating various reproductive functions. This review summarizes the signal pathways through which ATP induces anion secretion by the epithelia of the epididymis, as well as its epithelium-dependent modulation of smooth muscle contraction of the vas deferens. Finally, the overall role of ATP in coordinating various reproductive events in the male genital tract is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Epididymis / physiology
  • Epithelium / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Contraction
  • Muscle, Smooth / physiology
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Urogenital System / physiology*
  • Vas Deferens / physiology

Substances

  • Adenosine Triphosphate