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The role of extracellular ATP in the male reproductive tract

Zhou Wenliang, Zuo Wulin, Ruan Yechun, Wang Zhe, Du Jianyang, Xiong Yuan, Chen Xiaozhang

Department of Physiology, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University.Guangzhou 510275,Guangdong；China

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.

Key words: ATP;epididymis;vas deferens;epithelial secretion;smooth muscle contraction

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Citing This Article：

Zhou Wenliang, Zuo Wulin, Ruan Yechun, Wang Zhe, Du Jianyang, Xiong Yuan, Chen Xiaozhang. The role of extracellular ATP in the male reproductive tract. Acta Physiol Sin 2007; 59 (4): 487-494 (in Chinese with English abstract).