Date of Award:
5-1-1973
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Science (MS)
Department:
Biology
Department name when degree awarded
Zoology
Committee Chair(s)
LeGrande C. Ellis
Committee
LeGrande C. Ellis
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship among prostaglandins, calcium, epinephrine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. Prostaglandin E2(PGE2) initiated rhythmic contractions in rabbit testes in vitro. Inactive testes did not respond to calcium ion, acetylcholine, or serotonin; after contractions had been stimulated with PGE2, all of these agents caused the capsule to contract. Epinephrine and histamine induced contractions in non-motile capsules without releasing prostaglandin-like material into the bathing medium. Exogenously administered PGE2 potentiated histamine or epinephrine-induced testicular contractions. Calcium ion was required in the action of PGE2 in a dose-dependent fashion. Epinephrine-induced but not PGE2-induced contractions were blocked by the ⍺-blocking agent, ergotamine tartrate. Isoproterenol inhibited PGE2-induced contractions.
Recommended Citation
Hargrove, James Lee, "Contractions of Rabbit Testes in Vitro: Permissive Role of Prostaglandins for the Actions of Calcium and Some Smooth-Muscle Stimulating Agents" (1973). Biology. 394.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd_biology/394
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