A. Tripiciano et al., DIRECT VISUALIZATION OF RAT PERITUBULAR MYOID CELL CONTRACTION IN RESPONSE TO ENDOTHELIN, Biology of reproduction, 55(1), 1996, pp. 25-31
Seminiferous tubule contractility is fundamental for sperm progression
towards the rete testis; hence its regulation represents a key point
in male fertility. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent stimulator of smooth
muscle contractility, has recently been shown to be produced in the te
stis, as well as to bind to specific receptors on myoid cells and ther
eby activate intracellular signaling, The present paper illustrates co
ntraction of isolated myoid cells in response to ET-1 both in phase-co
ntrast and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, a simple method is
described that allows visualization of a dramatic endothelin-induced r
earrangement of myoid cell actin filaments in wholemount preparations
of seminiferous tubules. The response, which can be observed within se
conds from stimulation, was paralleled by cell shape changes that were
well apparent in scanning electron microscopy. The present report pro
vides the first direct evidence that endothelin is an agonist of myoid
cell contractility. Moreover, the experimental approach described cou
ld represent a promising tool for the screening of potential agonists
of peritubular contractility and for the analysis of their mechanisms
of action. in this regard, preliminary evidence is presented on myoid
cell contractile response to [Arg(8)]-vasopressin.