PRELIMINARY-REPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF RABBIT CLITORAL SMOOTH-MUSCLE CELL-CULTURE

Purpose: Scientific model systems for physiological evaluation and inv estigation of pathophysiologies in clitoral function have been limited . The aim was to develop a New Zealand White rabbit clitoral corpus ca vernosum smooth muscle cell culture. Methods: Clitoral corpus cavernos um erectile tissue was harvested and placed in culture. Clitoral smoot h muscle cells which migrated out from explants were grown to confluen ce and subcultured. Characterizations were performed by morphological and biochemical analyses. Results: The cells exhibited typical morphol ogic characteristics of smooth muscle cells. Indirect immunofluorescen ce studies confirmed the presence of a-smooth muscle cell actin. Andro gen and estrogen receptors were detected by specific antibodies and bi nding studies. The cells expressed subtypes of TGF-beta receptors. Tre atment with 80 pM TGF-beta(1) 24 h resulted in induction and/or increa sed availability of TGF-beta receptors. Conclusions: An in-vitro cell culture system using rabbit clitoral smooth muscle cells was developed . These smooth muscle cells retain their biochemical and functional in tegrity. This in-vitro cell culture system may facilitate studies aime d at understanding the molecular basis of female sexual function.