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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 487-494 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Sheng li xue bao : [Acta physiologica Sinica] |
Volume | 59 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - 25 Aug 2007 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine