Parasympathetic nerves in penile erectile tissue of the rat contain choline acetyltransferase
1989; Elsevier BV; Volume: 487; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0006-8993(89)90953-0
ISSN1872-6240
Autores Tópico(s)Neuropeptides and Animal Physiology
ResumoCholine acetyltransferase (ChAT), a biochemical marker of cholinergic neurons, was measured in the erectile tissue of intact rats and in rats in which postganglionic fibers from the pelvic plexus were interrupted. ChAT activity in the denervated erectile tissue fell by 56% compared to control tissues. Acetylcholinesterase positive (AChE+) nerves also fell by about 48%. Penile neurons distal to the lesion probably account for the residual ChAT activity and remaining AChE+ nerve fibers in erectile tissue. These results indicate that acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter in the regulation of penile erection.
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