Hexane fraction of thunb. Seed extract enhances boar sperm motility via CatSper ion channel.

Introduction: Mammalian sperm motility is facilitated by flagellar beating, which depends on active ion movement through ion channels and their regulation. Thunb., also known as oriental bush cherry, is a widely used traditional medicinal plant.

In vitro assessment of Prunus japonica seed extract on human spermatozoa hypermotility and intracellular alkalization.

Prunus japonica var. nakaii is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat various conditions; however, it has not been investigated for treating male infertility. In this study, we investigated the in vitro effects of the ethanolic extract of P.

Perspectives on Potential Fatty Acid Modulations of Motility Associated Human Sperm Ion Channels.

Human spermatozoan ion channels are specifically distributed in the spermatozoan membrane, contribute to sperm motility, and are associated with male reproductive abnormalities. Calcium, potassium, protons, sodium, and chloride are the main ions that are regulated across this membrane, and their intracellular concentrations are crucial for sperm motility. Fatty acids (FAs) affect sperm quality parameters, reproductive pathologies, male fertility, and regulate ion channel functions in other cells.

The agonistic action of URO-K10 on Kv7.4 and 7.5 channels is attenuated by co-expression of KCNE4 ancillary subunit.

KCNQ family constitutes slowly-activating potassium channels among voltage-gated potassium channel superfamily. Recent studies suggested that KCNQ4 and 5 channels are abundantly expressed in smooth muscle cells, especially in lower urinary tract including and that both channels can exert membrane stabilizing effect in the tissues. In this article, we examined the electrophysiological characteristics of overexpressed KCNQ4, 5 channels in HEK293 cells with recently developed KCNQ-specific agonist.

Characterization and functional roles of KCNQ-encoded voltage-gated potassium (Kv7) channels in human corpus cavernosum smooth muscle.

The group of KCNQ-encoded voltage-gated potassium (Kv7) channels includes five family members (Kv7.1-7.5).

Onion peel extract and its constituent, quercetin inhibits human Slo3 in a pH and calcium dependent manner.

Sperm function and male fertility are closely related to pH dependent K current (KSper) in human sperm, which is most likely composed of Slo3 and its auxiliary subunit leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 52 (LRRC52). Onion peel extract (OPE) and its major active ingredient quercetin are widely used as fertility enhancers; however, the effect of OPE and quercetin on Slo3 has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of quercetin on human Slo3 channels.

Persistent Erectile Dysfunction after Discontinuation of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Therapy in Rats Depending on the Duration of Treatment.

Purpose: The current study is aimed to assess whether a longer duration of 5α-reductase inhibitor (5α-RI) exposure was associated with higher rate of permanent erectile dysfunction (ED) in a rat model.

Materials And Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=76) were assigned to five groups: (i) normal control group; (ii) dutasteride (0.5 mg/rat/d) for 4-weeks group; (iii) dutasteride for 4-weeks plus 2-weeks of resting group; (iv) dutasteride for 8-weeks group; and (v) dutasteride for 8-weeks plus 2-weeks of resting group.

The regulation of transient receptor potential canonical 4 (TRPC4) channel by phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor via the cyclic guanosine 3'5'-monophosphate.

The transient receptor potential (TRP) protein superfamily consists of a diverse group of cation channels that bear structural similarities to the fruit fly Drosophila TRP. The TRP superfamily is distinct from other groups of ion channels in displaying a large diversity in ion selectivity, modes of activation, and physiological functions. Classical TRP (transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC)) channels are activated by stimulation of Gq-PLC-coupled receptors and modulated by phosphorylation.

Effect of BKCa Channel Opener LDD175 on Erectile Function in an In Vivo Diabetic Rat Model.

Introduction: The development of novel therapeutic options is imperative in patients with erectile dysfunction, especially those non-responsive to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. LDD175, a potent BKCa channel opener, has a relaxation effect on the in vitro cavernosal smooth muscle strip.

Aim: To investigate the effect of LDD175 on erectile function using in vivo animal disease model.

Gene expression profile comparison in the penile tissue of diabetes and cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction rat model.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of cavernous nerve injury (CNI) on gene expression profiles in the cavernosal tissue of a CNI-induced erectile dysfunction (ED) model and to provide a basis for future investigations to discover potential target genes for ED treatment.

Materials And Methods: Young adult rats were divided randomly into 2 groups: sham operation and bilateral CN resection. At 12 weeks after CNI we measured erectile responses and performed microarray experiments and gene set enrichment analysis to reveal gene signatures that were enriched in the CNI-induced ED model.

Urinary Bladder-Relaxant Effect of Kurarinone Depending on Potentiation of Large-Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels.

The large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (BKCa channel) plays critical roles in smooth muscle relaxation. In urinary bladder smooth muscle, BKCa channel activity underlies the maintenance of the resting membrane potential and repolarization of the spontaneous action potential triggering the phasic contraction. To identify novel BKCa channel activators, we screened a library of natural compounds using a cell-based fluorescence assay and a hyperactive mutant BKCa channel (Lee et al.

New Methodology for Investigating Ejaculation Dysfunction: Measuring Intraluminal Seminal Vesicle Pressure in Rats with a Telemetric Device.

Introduction: Ejaculation dysfunction is one of the most common male sexual disorders. Despite its prevalence and adverse impact on patients, little attention has been given to investigating ejaculation dysfunction.

Aim: We introduce a new method for evaluating ejaculation dysfunction in rats with a telemetric device.

Effect of the novel BKCa channel opener LDD175 on the modulation of corporal smooth muscle tone.

Introduction: The BKCa channel has been reported to play an important role in erectile function. Recently, novel BKCa channel activator, LDD175, was introduced.

Aim: This study aims to investigate whether LDD175 relaxes corporal smooth muscle (CSM) via BKCa channel activation.

Effects of Schisandra chinensis extract on the relaxation of isolated human prostate tissue and smooth muscle cell.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Schisandra chinensis has been commonly used as a traditional herbal medicine to treat various diseases including body weakness, dysentery, impotence, enuresis and frequent urination in many countries including Korea, China and Russia. Benign prostate hyperplasia is a common disease for the elderly men and it induces lower urinary tract symptoms which hinder general activity and quality of life. We evaluated the therapeutic potential of Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE) in benign prostate hyperplasia using human prostate tissue.

Endothelium-independent relaxant effect of Rubus coreanus extracts in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle.

Introduction: Rubus coreanus is a perennial shrub native to the southern part of the Korean peninsula. Although it is known that R. coreanus has a dose-dependent relaxation effect on rabbit corpus cavernosum (CC), the exact mechanism of action by which R.

Molecular and functional characterization of ORAI and STIM in human corporeal smooth muscle cells and effects of the transfer of their dominant-negative mutant genes into diabetic rats.

Purpose: We investigated the molecular identity and functional activity of STIM1 and ORAI in human cavernous smooth muscle. We also determined whether transferring dominant negative mutants of the STIM1 or ORAI gene would correct diabetes related erectile dysfunction in a rat model.

Materials And Methods: Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was done to identify ORAI and STIM in human cavernous smooth muscle.

Effects of Schisandra chinensis extract on the contractility of corpus cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM) and Ca2+ homeostasis in CSM cells.

Unlabelled: What's known on the subject? And what does the study add? Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE) has been known to have relaxative effects on penile smooth muscle. A recent study showed that SCE could enhance slidenafil citrate-induced relaxation of penile corpus cavernosum. The current study investigated the mechanism of action of SCE and its constituents on corporal smooth muscle cells.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extracts with mirodenafil on the relaxation of corpus cavernosal smooth muscle and the potassium channel activity of corporal smooth muscle cells.

In this study, we investigated the effects of a combination of Ginkgo biloba extracts (GBE) and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors on the muscular tone of the corpus cavernosum and potassium channel activity of corporal smooth muscle cells. Strips of corpus cavernosum from male New Zealand white rabbits were mounted in organ baths for isometric tension studies. After contraction with 1×10⁻⁵ mol l⁻¹ norepinephrine, GBE (0.

Effects of ethanol on the tonicity of corporal tissue and the intracellular Ca2+ concentration of human corporal smooth muscle cells.

Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED); however, the acute effects of ethanol (EtOH) on penile tissue are not fully understood. We sought to investigate the effects of EtOH on corporal tissue tonicity, as well as the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and potassium channel activity of corporal smooth muscle. Strips of corpus cavernosum (CC) from rabbits were mounted in organ baths for isometric tension studies.

Gene transfer of TRPC6 (dominant negative) restores erectile function in diabetic rats.

Introduction: Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels play an important role in modulating intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) levels.

Aim: We examined the hypothesis that overexpression of TRPC6(DN) (dominant negative) may contribute to decreased [Ca(2+)](i) levels in corporal smooth muscle (CSM). We also investigated whether gene transfer of TRPC6(DN) could restore erectile function in diabetic rats.

Effect of testosterone on potassium channel opening in human corporal smooth muscle cells.

Introduction: In humans, the role of testosterone in sexual functions, including sexual desire, nocturnal penile erections, and ejaculatory volume, has been relatively well established. However, the effects of testosterone on intrapenile structure in humans remains controversial.

Aim: We assessed the direct effects of testosterone on potassium channels in human corporal smooth muscle cells, in an effort to understand the mechanisms inherent to the testosterone-induced relaxation of corporal smooth muscle cells at the cellular and molecular levels.

Gene transfer of the K(ATP) channel restores age-related erectile dysfunction in rats.

Objective: To determine if gene transfer of the ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel can reverse age-related erectile dysfunction in the rat, as the K(ATP) channel is an important subtype of potassium channels regulating smooth muscle tone.

Materials And Methods: In an in vitro study, gene were transferred using cDNA of the K(ATP) channel in cultured human corporal smooth muscle (CSM) cells and human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. After gene transfer, the activities of transferred channels were assessed by the patch-clamp technique.

Desensitization of canonical transient receptor potential channel 5 by protein kinase C.

The classic type of transient receptor potential channel (TRPC) is a molecular candidate for Ca(2+)-permeable cation channel in mammalian cells. TRPC5 is desensitized rapidly after activation by G protein-coupled receptor. Herein we report our investigation into the desensitization of mTRPC5 and localization of the molecular determinants of this desensitization using mutagenesis.