A systematic analysis of the neural connections of the female reproductive organs is proposed. The pelvic nerve (parasympathetic), the hypogastric nerve (sympathetic) and the pudendal nerve (somatic) each contain afferent and efferent pathways of potential importance to reproductive function. In the proposed experiments axonal tracing and electrophysiological techniques will be used to identify the cells of origin and the peripheral and central organization of the neural pathways to different parts of the reproductive system (clitoris, uterine cervix, uterine horns). Immunocytochemical and pharmacological techniques will be used to examine the neurotransmitters in these pathways.
Specific aims are: (1) identification of ganglion cells in pre- and paravertebral sympathetic ganglia and pelvic plexus innervating various parts of the reproductive system, (2) identification of the segmental distribution and central projections of afferent pathways to the organs, (3) an analysis of putative neurotransmitters in afferent and efferent pathways, (4) study of the organization of peripheral ganglionic components of sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways to the reproductive organs and hormonal influences on these pathways. To my knowledge this would be the first systematic analysis of the peripheral neural mechanisms involved in female reproductive function. Identification of the wiring diagram and putative neurotransmitters in the neural pathways of the female would no doubt provide further insight into clinical problems such as menstrual pain and copulatory dysfunctions, such as vaginismus, as well as possible modes of pharmacological treatment. In addition, the studies will yield information about basic questions in neurobiology such as: (1) the mechanisms underlying visceral sensation, (2) the mechanisms of synaptic transmission in autonomic ganglia and (3) the functions of neuropeptides at visceral synapses.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01NS025254-01A1
Application #
3410495
Study Section
Neurological Sciences Subcommittee 1 (NLS)
Project Start
1988-07-01
Project End
1991-06-01
Budget Start
1988-07-01
Budget End
1989-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1988
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
053785812
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Kawatani, M; Tanowitz, M; de Groat, W C (1994) Morphological and electrophysiological analysis of the peripheral and central afferent pathways from the clitoris of the cat. Brain Res 646:26-36
Kawatani, M; de Groat, W C (1991) A large proportion of afferent neurons innervating the uterine cervix of the cat contain VIP and other neuropeptides. Cell Tissue Res 266:191-6
Matsumoto, G; Kawatani, M; Takeshige, C (1991) Inhibitory effect of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) on the micturition reflex in rat. Neurosci Lett 133:211-4
Keast, J R; Kawatani, M; De Groat, W C (1990) Sympathetic modulation of cholinergic transmission in cat vesical ganglia is mediated by alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Am J Physiol 258:R44-50
Kawatani, M; Takeshige, C; de Groat, W C (1990) Central distribution of afferent pathways from the uterus of the cat. J Comp Neurol 302:294-304
de Groat, W C; Kawatani, M (1989) Enkephalinergic inhibition in parasympathetic ganglia of the urinary bladder of the cat. J Physiol 413:13-29
de Groat, W C; Kawatani, M (1989) Reorganization of sympathetic preganglionic connections in cat bladder ganglia following parasympathetic denervation. J Physiol 409:431-49
Kawatani, M; Shioda, S; Nakai, Y et al. (1989) Ultrastructural analysis of enkephalinergic terminals in parasympathetic ganglia innervating the urinary bladder of the cat. J Comp Neurol 288:81-91
Kawatani, M; Whitney, T; Booth, A M et al. (1989) Excitatory effect of substance P in parasympathetic ganglia of cat urinary bladder. Am J Physiol 257:R1450-6