Adrenergic innervation of the epididymis, vas deferens, accessory genital glands and urethra in the boar

Abstract

The distribution of adrenergic nerve fibres in the urethra and some organs of the male reproductive system of juvenile boars was studied by applying the glioxylic acid-induced fluorescence method. Adrenergic nerve fibres were found in all structures examined, with particular relation to their muscular coats and arterial blood vessels. Ductuli efferentes and ductus epididymidis from the caput region were weakly innervated. The number of adrenergic nerve fibres innervating the ductus epididymidis gradually increased towards the cauda epididymidis, being greatest in this region. The vas deferens was very well supplied with these nerves. The seminal vesicle was found to be the richest innervated organ in comparison with other accessory genital glands. The body of the prostate was slightly weaker innervated, while the disseminated part of the prostate as well as the bulbourethral gland comprised the smallest number of adrenergic nerve fibres. The urethra received a very dense adrenergic nerve supply. The pelvic part of the urogenital duct possessed a moderate number of adrenergic nerves, which supplied not only the muscular membrane but also venous sinuses of the mucosa. In a close vicinity to the internal genital organs numerous ganglia containing both adrenergic and non-adrenergic nerve cell bodies were observed. The presented data suggest that adrenergic innervation may be deeply involved in the control of blood flow and motor function of the organs studied, and that a part of adrenergic nerve fibers innervating these structures may originate from pelvic ganglia.