INNERVATION OF ACCESSORY SEX GLANDS IN THE ADULT MALE GOLDEN-HAMSTER AND QUANTITATIVE CHANGES OF NERVE DENSITIES WITH AGE

Enzyme histochemistry and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the types of nerves supplying the ampullary gland, coagulating gland, dorsolateral prostate, ventral prostate and seminal vesicle of the mal e golden hamster. Quantitative change of dopamine beta-hydroxylase (D beta H), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) immunoreactive and acetylcholinester ase-stained (AChE-stained) nerves with age was also determined. Using an antibody against protein gene product 9.5, nerves were seen to dist ribute in subepithelial connective tissues, smooth muscles and adventi tial connective tissues. Presumptive catecholaminergic nerves immunore active for D beta H and tyrosine hydroxylase were found mainly in peri acinar smooth muscles, while AChE-stained nerves predominantly ramifie d subepithelial connective tissues. In addition, nerves immunoreactive to NPY, calcitonin gene-related peptide, leu-enkephalin, galanin, sub stance P, and vasoactive intestinal peptide were also detected. Quanti tative estimation at 10, 52 and 78 weeks of age showed that densities of D beta H and NPY nerves were halved by 52 weeks of age. This level was maintained in older animals. The density of AChE-stained nerves in all glands did not change with age. The ampullary gland appeared to h ave more AChE-stained nerves. These results were discussed from a comp arative viewpoint and with regard to possible implications of aging of peripheral nerves on functioning of the male accessory sex glands.