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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Site-dependent differences in the composite fibers of male pelvic plexus branches: an immunohistochemical analysis of donated elderly cadavers

Authors: Kuniyasu Muraoka, Shuichi Morizane, Keisuke Hieda, Masashi Honda, Takehiro Sejima, Gen Murakami, Shin-ichi Abe, Atsushi Takenaka

Published in: BMC Urology | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Although the pelvic autonomic plexus branches are considered to be a mixture of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, little is known regarding the composite fibers of the pelvic plexus branches. This study aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical features of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves in the pelvic autonomic plexus branches.

Methods

Using 10 donated elderly male cadavers, the detailed topohistology of nerve fibers at and around the bladder, seminal vesicle, prostate, and rectum was examined. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were used as parasympathetic nerve markers; tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was used as a sympathetic nerve marker. The myenteric plexus of the colon was utilized as a positive control.

Results

Most nerve fibers in the bladder, seminal vesicle, prostate, and rectum were both nNOS- and TH-positive. Thus, pelvic plexus branches were classified into two types: 1) triple-positive mixed nerves (nNOS+, VIP+, TH+, thick myelinated fibers + or -) and 2) double-positive mixed nerves (nNOS+, VIP-, TH+, thick myelinated fibers + or -). Notably, triple-positive nerves were localized within the posterosuperior part of the plexus (near the rectum) and travelled anteroinferiorly toward the posterolateral corner of the prostate. The posteriorly and inferiorly located nerves were predominantly composed of parasympathetic, rather than sympathetic, fibers. In contrast, nerve fibers within and along the bladder and seminal vesicle contained either no or few VIP-positive nerves. These superiorly located nerves were characterized by clear sympathetic nerve dominance.

Conclusions

The nerves of the pelvic plexus branches were clearly classified into nerves around the bladder and seminal vesicle (VIP-negative) and nerves around the prostate (VIP-positive). Although nNOS- and VIP-positive nerve fibers are candidate cavernous nerves, cavernous nerve identity cannot be definitively concluded for these nerves in the periprostatic region.

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Title: Site-dependent differences in the composite fibers of male pelvic plexus branches: an immunohistochemical analysis of donated elderly cadavers
Authors: Kuniyasu Muraoka
Shuichi Morizane
Keisuke Hieda
Masashi Honda
Takehiro Sejima
Gen Murakami
Shin-ichi Abe
Atsushi Takenaka
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Urology / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2490
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12894-018-0369-9

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Site-dependent differences in the composite fibers of male pelvic plexus branches: an immunohistochemical analysis of donated elderly cadavers

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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