Abstract | PURPOSE: Inguinoscrotal testicular descent has been proposed to occur via sensory fibers of the sexually dimorphic genitofemoral nerve, which release a neurotransmitter, calcitonin gene related peptide, to guide the migrating gubernaculum into the scrotum. We hypothesize that androgen mediated regression of the genitofemoral nerve mammary branch is necessary for inguinoscrotal descent in rats. We compared the spatiotemporal development of the genitofemoral nerve in control and antiandrogen treated rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 29 Sprague-Dawley® rats were collected (animal ethics committee approval A644) in control and antiandrogen treated groups ( flutamide, embryonic days 16 to 19, 75 mg/kg body weight/5% ethanol + oil) on embryonic days 17 and 19, and on postnatal day 2. Sagittal sections of the gubernaculum and its surrounding structures were processed for standard histology and immunohistochemistry for androgen receptor, nerves (Tuj1), calcitonin gene related peptide (marker for genitofemoral nerve) and cell nuclei ( DAPI). RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Shu Su, Pamela J Farmer, Ruili Li, Magdy Sourial, Silverton Buraundi, Daniela Bodemer, Bridget R Southwell, John M Hutson |
Journal | The Journal of urology
(J Urol)
Vol. 188
Issue 4 Suppl
Pg. 1443-8
(Oct 2012)
ISSN: 1527-3792 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 22906642
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2012 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
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Topics |
- Animals
- Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
(physiology)
- Male
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Testis
(embryology, innervation)
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