Biomaterial Database

Transepithelial voltage changes during prostatic secretion in the dog. 1983

E R Smith, and T B Miller, and R F Pebler

To define the nature of Na+, K+, and Cl- secretion by the dog prostate, the electrical potential difference between fluid in the prostatic urethra and venous blood was recorded during secretion provoked in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs by electrically stimulating the hypogastric nerves or by administering pilocarpine intravenously. The resultant prostatic fluid samples as well as plasma samples taken before and/or after secretion were analyzed for these electrolytes. During secretion provoked by either means the transepithelial electrical potential difference, which was essentially zero at rest, became lumen negative, the maximum change (which was related to gland size) being about 4 mV. The time courses of both the potential change and the secretion of fluid were very similar. The Na+ concentration in both nerve- and pilocarpine-induced prostatic fluid was equal to that in plasma, whereas the K+ and Cl- concentrations were higher than in plasma. It is concluded that Na+ may move passively from plasma into prostatic fluid, perhaps via the paracellular route, but the movement of K+ and Cl- probably involves active transcellular transport.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007001	Hypogastric Plexus	A complex network of nerve fibers in the pelvic region. The hypogastric plexus distributes sympathetic fibers from the lumbar paravertebral ganglia and the aortic plexus, parasympathetic fibers from the pelvic nerve, and visceral afferents. The bilateral pelvic plexus is in its lateral extent.	Pelvic Plexus,Plexus, Hypogastric,Plexus, Pelvic
D008297	Male		Males
D008564	Membrane Potentials	The voltage differences across a membrane. For cellular membranes they are computed by subtracting the voltage measured outside the membrane from the voltage measured inside the membrane. They result from differences of inside versus outside concentration of potassium, sodium, chloride, and other ions across cells' or ORGANELLES membranes. For excitable cells, the resting membrane potentials range between -30 and -100 millivolts. Physical, chemical, or electrical stimuli can make a membrane potential more negative (hyperpolarization), or less negative (depolarization).	Resting Potentials,Transmembrane Potentials,Delta Psi,Resting Membrane Potential,Transmembrane Electrical Potential Difference,Transmembrane Potential Difference,Difference, Transmembrane Potential,Differences, Transmembrane Potential,Membrane Potential,Membrane Potential, Resting,Membrane Potentials, Resting,Potential Difference, Transmembrane,Potential Differences, Transmembrane,Potential, Membrane,Potential, Resting,Potential, Transmembrane,Potentials, Membrane,Potentials, Resting,Potentials, Transmembrane,Resting Membrane Potentials,Resting Potential,Transmembrane Potential,Transmembrane Potential Differences
D009929	Organ Size	The measurement of an organ in volume, mass, or heaviness.	Organ Volume,Organ Weight,Size, Organ,Weight, Organ
D010862	Pilocarpine	A slowly hydrolyzed muscarinic agonist with no nicotinic effects. Pilocarpine is used as a miotic and in the treatment of glaucoma.	Isopilocarpine,Isoptocarpine,Ocusert,Pilocarpine Hydrochloride,Pilocarpine Mononitrate, (3S-cis)-Isomer,Pilocarpine Nitrate,Pilocarpine, Monohydrochloride, (3S-cis)-Isomer,Salagen,Hydrochloride, Pilocarpine,Nitrate, Pilocarpine
D011188	Potassium	An element in the alkali group of metals with an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
D011467	Prostate	A gland in males that surrounds the neck of the URINARY BLADDER and the URETHRA. It secretes a substance that liquefies coagulated semen. It is situated in the pelvic cavity behind the lower part of the PUBIC SYMPHYSIS, above the deep layer of the triangular ligament, and rests upon the RECTUM.	Prostates
D002712	Chlorides	Inorganic compounds derived from hydrochloric acid that contain the Cl- ion.	Chloride,Chloride Ion Level,Ion Level, Chloride,Level, Chloride Ion
D003983	Dibenzylchlorethamine	An alpha adrenergic antagonist.	Dibenamine,Dibenzyl Chlorethylamine,Chlorethylamine, Dibenzyl
D004285	Dogs	The domestic dog, Canis familiaris, comprising about 400 breeds, of the carnivore family CANIDAE. They are worldwide in distribution and live in association with people. (Walker's Mammals of the World, 5th ed, p1065)	Canis familiaris,Dog