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Immunohistochemical description of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes in the human labia minora

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Author

  • Stefan Ueckert
  • Matthias Oelke
  • Knut Albrecht
  • Christian Stief
  • Udo Jonas
  • Petter Hedlund

Summary, in English

Introduction. Up until now, only minimal research has been carried out on those female genital organs known to contribute to the normal cycle of sexual arousal and orgasm. Some findings indicated that there might be a significance of cyclic nucleotide-mediated pathways in the control of the normal function of female genital tissues. Aim. To elucidate, by means of immunohistochemistry, the distribution of the phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 11 in the human labia minora. Main Outcome Measures. The amount of immunohistochemical staining specific for cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)- and/or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-degrading PDE isoenzymes was detected. Methods. Human labial tissue was obtained from four female cadavers (age at death: 18-42 years). Vibratome sections prepared from formaldehyde-fixated tissue specimens were incubated with primary antibodies directed against the respective PDE isoenzymes. Sections were then incubated with fluorochrome (fluorescein isothiocyanate, Texas Red)-labeled secondary antibodies. Visualization was commenced by means of a laser fluorescence microscope. Results. Immunostaining indicating the expression of PDE4 and PDE5 was abundantly observed in the smooth musculature of vessels interspersing the tissue. Immunoreactions specific for PDE3 were recognized in epithelial and subepithelial layers, sebaceous glands, and interstitial or neuroendocrine-like single cells located in the epithelium. Signals related to PDE10 and PDE11 were limited to the epithelium or glandular-like structures, respectively. Conclusions. Our results, for the first time, demonstrate the presence of cAMP- and cGMP-PDE isoenzymes in the human labia minora and give a hint to a significance of PDE4 and PDE5 in the control of labial vascular tissue function.

Publishing year

2007

Language

English

Pages

602-608

Publication/Series

Journal of Sexual Medicine

Volume

4

Issue

3

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Topic

  • Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine

Keywords

  • labia minora
  • phosphodiesterase isoenzymes
  • immunohistochemistry

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1743-6109