Signaling Group, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Reproduction. 2018 Oct 1;156(4):R125-R141. doi: 10.1530/REP-17-0754.
During their transit through the epididymis, spermatozoa mature and acquire motility and fertilizing capacity. The smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the epididymal duct are thought to be responsible for the adequate transport of spermatozoa. Thus, precise regulation of SMC function also represents a prerequisite for sperm maturation thereby contributing to male fertility. In this review, we would like to highlight various aspects of epididymal SMC function and discuss several angles with respect to regulation of contraction and relaxation. Different to the vas deferens, where disturbed SMC pathways resulting in male infertility could be defined, comparable information is missing in the epididymis. We therefore include some vas deferens data which could also be useful for a better understanding of epididymal SMC function. Furthermore, we would like to draw attention to drugs used in clinical practice and their potential (side) effects on contractions in the epididymis.
在通过附睾的过程中，精子成熟并获得运动能力和受精能力。附睾管的平滑肌细胞（SMCs）被认为是负责精子适当转运的。因此，SMCs 功能的精确调节也是精子成熟的前提，从而有助于男性生育能力。在这篇综述中，我们想强调附睾 SMC 功能的各个方面，并讨论收缩和松弛调节的几个角度。与输精管不同，在输精管中可以定义导致男性不育的 SMC 途径紊乱，在附睾中类似的信息缺失。因此，我们包括一些输精管的数据，这些数据对于更好地理解附睾 SMC 功能也可能有用。此外，我们还想提请注意临床实践中使用的药物及其对附睾收缩的潜在（副作用）。
