Expression and function of G-protein-coupled receptorsin the male reproductive tract

This review focuses on the expression and function of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), α1-adrenoceptors and relaxin receptors in the male reproductive tract. The localization and differential expression of mAChR and α1-adrenoceptor subtypes in specific compartments of the efferent ductules, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle and prostate of various species indicate a role for these receptors in the modulation of luminal fluid composition and smooth muscle contraction, including effects on male fertility. Furthermore, the activation of mAChRs induces transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the Sertoli cell proliferation. The relaxin receptors are present in the testis, RXFP1 in elongated spermatids and Sertoli cells from rat, and RXFP2 in Leydig and germ cells from rat and human, suggesting a role for these receptors in the spermatogenic process. The localization of both receptors in the apical portion of epithelial cells and smooth muscle layers of the vas deferens suggests an involvement of these receptors in the contraction and regulation of secretion.Esta revisão enfatiza a expressão e a função dos receptores muscarínicos, adrenoceptores α1 e receptores para relaxina no sistema reprodutor masculino. A expressão dos receptores muscarínicos e adrenoceptores α1 em compartimentos específicos de dúctulos eferentes, epidídimo, ductos deferentes, vesícula seminal e próstata de várias espécies indica o envolvimento destes receptores na modulação da composição do fluido luminal e na contração do músculo liso, incluindo efeitos na fertilidade masculina. Além disso, a ativação dos receptores muscarínicos leva à transativação do receptor para o fator crescimento epidermal e proliferação das células de Sertoli. Os receptores para relaxina estão presentes no testículo, RXFP1 nas espermátides alongadas e células de Sertoli de rato e RXFP2 nas células de Leydig e germinativas de ratos e humano, sugerindo o envolvimento destes receptores no processo espermatogênico. A localização de ambos os receptores na porção apical das células epiteliais e no músculo liso dos ductos deferentes de rato sugere um papel na contração e na regulação da secreção.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Departamento de FarmacologiaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de FarmacologiaSciEL

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Women

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic, debilitating, and heterogeneous condition that affects 2-3% of the general population. Previous studies have suggested that sex plays a role in OCD phenotypic expression. This chapter aims to review the literature regarding OCD in women, exploring sex differences in (1) the prevalence of OCD/subclinical OCD in nonclinical populations; (2) age of onset, clinical course, and severity and impact of OCD symptoms; (3) onset or aggravation of OCD symptoms among women according to the time point in the reproductive cycle; (4) OCD symptom contents; (5) psychiatric comorbidity; and (6) treatment-seeking behavior and treatment response. Studies report either a slight female predominance or a similar prevalence of OCD in adults from the general population. Women are more likely than men to be married, to present later onset, and to report preceding stressful life events. Onset or worsening of OCD symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum are frequently described. Women are more likely to present contamination obsessions and/or cleaning rituals and comorbid eating and impulse-control disorders. Several interacting mechanisms are probably responsible for mediating the effects of sex/gender in the biological and psychosocial risk factors for OCD. Sex is a relevant factor that should be taken into account when evaluating OCD patients, but more studies are necessary to determine whether or not it defines a valid OCD subtype.Department of Neurology Psychology and Psychiatry Botucatu Medical School São Paulo State University (UNESP), SPDepartment and Institute of Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine University of São Paulo (USP), SPDepartment of Neurology Psychology and Psychiatry Botucatu Medical School São Paulo State University (UNESP), S