The cAMP effector EPAC activates Elk1 transcription factor in prostate smooth muscle, and is a minor regulator of α1-adrenergic contraction.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Prostate smooth muscle tone is regulated by α1-adrenoceptor-induced contraction and cAMP-mediated relaxation. EPAC is an effector of cAMP, being involved in smooth muscle relaxation and cell cycle control outside the lower urinary tract. Here, we investigated the expression and function of EPAC in human prostate tissues from patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.

Results

mRNA and protein expression of EPAC was detected in all prostate tissues by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Immunoreactivity was observed in stromal cells, and colocalized with immunofluorescence for α-smooth muscle actin and calponin. Under normal conditions, noradrenaline- or phenylephrine-induced contraction of prostate strips in the organ bath was not affected by the EPAC activator pCPT

SUBMITTER: Hennenberg M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3712007 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature