SYMPATHETIC NERVES AND REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS IN THE MALE RABBIT

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Abstract
Summary. The chronic effects of removal of all or part of the sympathetic nerve supply of the sex and accessory sex organs were studied in twenty-one male rabbits for periods varying from 2 days to 1 year. In addition to previously published observations the following points were noted: The bladder neck was not completely paralysed if the lumbar sympathetic outflow from lii was removed but was paralysed if the hypogastric nerves were removed. The secretion of gel in the glandula vesicularis of the seminal vesicle was suppressed if both the posterior mesenteric ganglion, the hypogastric nerves and the sympathetic chain at liii were removed. The secretions of the prostates, the ampulla ductus deferentis and the milky secretion of the seminal vesicle were not affected by this radical operation. From approximately 15 weeks after radical denervation the seminiferous tubules, areas 1 and 6 of the epididymis and the adjacent distal ductus deferens became degenerate. These findings seem to justify the following conclusions: A sympathetic nerve supply from a higher level than lii, via the hypogastric nerves is necessary for closure of the bladder sphincter during seminal emission. A sympathetic preganglionic nerve supply from liii or intact hypogastric nerves are necessary either primarily or secondarily for the secretion of gel in the seminal vesicles. The pelvic nerve may contain secretomotor and motor fibres to the prostates, the ampulla ductus deferentis and to certain secreting cells of the seminal vesicle. The effects of the denervation on the testes, distal ductus deferens and areas 1 and 6 of the epididymis are probably secondary to the vasodilation and in the testes back pressure from the epididymis.

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